Wholesome Green Living: Understanding the Playing Field (Part Two)

Ever noticed more and more organic food choices being available at your local grocery store?  Have you tried organic foods?  What’s the big deal about organic food anyway?

If you have been on the fence about whether or not to choose organic foods, I hope this blog will be of help to you! 

 

 

 

First of all, we need to clarify some terms; understand the playing field. 

As I began to delve into this topic more, I came to understand that the term “organic foods” means more than simply not using pesticides, insecticides, antibiotics, etc.  “Organic foods” are holistically farmed with attention placed on water and soil conservation and also environmental quality.  Animals raised on organic farms for the purpose of consumption are fed organic feed, given access to the outdoors, and housed in clean environments, in addition to what is typically known about them; being raised free from antibiotics, and growth hormones. “Organic foods” are given the USDA Organic Seal assuring consumers of the quality and integrity of the product.  For more information regarding identification of organic produce/products go to:  www.organic.org 

“Natural Foods” are basically foods that are minimally processed and do not contain added chemicals or artificial ingredients.   A standard definition does not exist for “natural” or “all natural” foods, but this is a working definition the FDA uses loosely.  To read more on the difference between natural and organic go to: American Diabetes Association.

“Conventional foods” are produced with the aides of chemical fertilizers, synthetic insecticides, and synthetic herbicides and often are aided through government subsidies.

According to the Mayo Clinic; there isn’t enough research to know if organic foods are more nutritious than conventionally grown or raised food.  What is known is that not all pesticide residues can be removed through washing the produce; a concern to many, but not to all.  The EWG’s research would concur.

An article from the Associated Press (Sept. 4, 2012) citing Dr. Dena Bravata stated, “… in two studies of children, urine testing showed lower pesticide levels in those on organic diets.”  She went on to basically say that the difference was very small, between children on conventional diets as opposed to those on organic diets. 

Dr. Dena Bravata’s team of researchers did find a notable difference with antibiotic-resistant germs to be a concern for public interest as treatment is more challenging if those foods cause poisoning.

From what I personally hear on the news and talking to family and friends, people are concerned with what is sprayed on, and or injected into the foods they eat.

As the title of this series implies; Wholesome Green Living, encompasses all of life. 

As a mom and going “green-er” in living; I AM concerned with what I feed my family.  I AM concerned with what I use to clean my home.  I AM concerned for our environment and I AM concerned for my neighbors and community! 

And though I am just one individual, I have a responsibility with the knowledge I do have and am continuing to acquire, to be a wise mother, consumer and steward of the environment I live in.

So IF offering organic foods to my family means that they will be ingesting a little less pesticides or antibiotics from meats—then great!  Less of what we do not need is better, in my opinion!

So IF offering organic foods to my family means I am helping a farming family who is choosing to farm sustainably and with care for the environment—then great! 

I know that I cannot shop completely ALL organic produce, and meats, but I am making steps to implement, little-by-little, where those purchases are possible.  If fact, this past week I bought my meat from a responsibly raised farm because it was on sale. 

For me it all began with using all natural green cleaners and throwing out my toxic cleaners. Purchasing all natural and organic foods is my growing change toward more Wholesome Green Living. 

What is YOUR NEXT STEP??

Please Leave a comment and a link to your Blog and or website!