Will 2020 Be the Year That You Finally Go Organic?

It seems like everyone has been raving about the cultural switch to organic. Organic foods are healthier for consumers and the environment, but other organic products are equally as important — and they’re often overlooked. Understanding the benefits of an organic lifestyle is the first step to making lifestyle changes in 2020.

What does it take for a product to be certified organic?

Several organizations inspect the production of products and certify them as organic. If the labeling process wasn’t thorough, the label would lack weight. Without an official and trustworthy certifying body, companies could abuse the word “organic” in marketing campaigns to make unearned sales.

Different countries have different organizations dedicated to inspecting and labeling organic products. In the U.S., the program is run by the United States Department of Agriculture or the USDA. You’ve probably seen USDA Certified Organic badges on various products in the grocery store.

To receive this badge, a product must pass inspections by USDA inspectors. These inspectors will travel to wherever the items are produced and test the soil for contamination from non-organic fertilizers. They’ll also test the irrigation systems and storage facilities.

Finally, the inspectors will ensure that the product and all of the ingredients within it are genuinely organic. To receive the USDA Certified badge, at least 95% of the product must be organically sourced.

What are the benefits of eating organic foods?

Certifying food as organic takes a lot of trouble, but there are many benefits involved with organic food.

One major problem with non-organic produce is that they generally require large quantities of pesticides and herbicides to grow. These products affect the quality of the soil and can run off into rivers. They also tend to stay on the produce all the way to the grocery store and, when consumed, may cause health problems in humans.

Organic produce tends to be locally sourced. This means the environmental impact of shipping produce across the country is significantly reduced. They also lack the preservatives found in conventional produce, which means the products are fresher for the consumer.

The conventional methods of raising livestock for meat and dairy products include pumping the animals full of hormones. Growth hormones are used to make animals grow larger and produce more meat. These animals also receive hefty doses of antibiotics.

The excessive amounts of hormones make these animals’ lives unpleasant and cruel. What’s more, there are health concerns associated with consuming the hormones and antibiotics present in the animals.

Organic meat and dairy don’t involve hormones or antibiotics. The animals live out their lives in more humane ways, and the resulting food is safe to eat.

What are the benefits of using organic consumer products?

For most people, the word “organic” is often associated with food. But non-food products are also undergoing positive changes.

The textile industry has been one of the most polluting industries since it exploded during the industrial revolution. In cotton, one of the most popular materials, pesticides and herbicides are used in excess. The industry standard involves washing cotton with bleach, which creates environmental toxins when used in tandem with pesticides and herbicides.

Organic textiles are often overlooked, but there are more product options out there than you might expect. You can find clothing that has been produced ethically and parents can also purchase products like an organic crib mattress or organic baby powder. Quality organic linen can be used for bedsheets.

The options don’t end with textiles

Health and personal care products — items like shampoo, makeup, and skincare products — can also receive organic certification. To receive the certification, these products must be primarily sourced from organic plant-based materials.

These products are meant to be healthier for consumers. They don’t have lingering amounts of pesticides and herbicides. Organic plant-based products also tend to be higher in antioxidants, which is good for your health.

When it comes to organic products, what they don’t include is just as important as what they do. Regular shampoo and skincare products contain harmful compounds like parabens, petroleum, and sulfates. These products not only affect your hair and skin, but they can increase the risk of cancer and hormone imbalances. Organic products don’t have any of these substances.

It may feel daunting to make the switch to an organic lifestyle, so make changes one step at a time. Look for ways each week that you can improve. Before you know it, you will have built a network of habits that are better for both your health and the environment.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.