What is “Organic?”

What is “organic?”

The definition of organic:

The word “organic” has many different meanings but the ones specific to my website are organic foodstuffs and other organically grown plants such as cotton or bamboo and an organic lifestyle.

Farmers who grow organic crops for food or clothing take advantage of renewable resources and use conservation methods concerning the soil and water to preserve the environment. Also, food is produced without the use of conventional pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

In terms of livestock, no antibiotics or growth hormones are used. All livestock must be fed certified organic feed as well, such as hay and grain.

Government approved certifiers inspect all organic farms to make sure they are complying with the USDA rules for organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket must also be certified.

What is “an organic lifestyle?”

As the definition states it is simple, healthful, and close to nature. There really is no clear cut answer to this question and can be answered with many subjective responses. You don’t have to live in the woods to have an organic lifestyle if that is your personal definition of “close to nature”. I do agree an organic lifestyle is simple, healthful and close to nature so I will give you my personal views on each statement.

Simple really denotes to me simplifying your life. To me, simple means: uncomplicated, humble, less is more, easy to understand. I don’t believe life is supposed to be the complicated, chaotic, over scheduled mess I have made it to be in the past and have observed many other human beings doing as well. I also believe that if people simplified their lives they would probably have a better sense of well being and enjoyment of life.

Healthful seems to be pretty straightforward. It is a fact that you are what you eat. If you are eating meats that were treated with antibiotics and growth hormones, you are absorbing those antibiotics and growth hormones. Skin is the largest organ on the human body. Whatever you are putting on your skin (cosmetics, body lotion, moisturizer, etc.) is getting absorbed into your system. If it’s possible that organic food and products can increase your health I would think that a person’s well being and enjoyment of life would also be enhanced.

“Close to nature” implies to me, being conscious of the environment. If a person starts to become very conscious of what they are putting in and on their bodies, they become very conscious of where and how those products were grown, raised or made. If a person becomes conscious of how food is grown and raised and where and how their clothes were made, they might start to become conscious of the environmental impact the production of their food, clothing, personal products have on the Earth. That person might want to support organic farmers, buy organic clothing, and use all natural or organic products in their day to day life to attempt to lessen their carbon foot print on the environment. So in this instance “close to nature” is more of a feeling than a place.

Essentially, I believe “an organic lifestyle” is consciously living in a simple, healthful, close to nature way that enhances well being and increases your joy for life.

Deborah @ October 15, 2007