Why Buy Organic?
Better yet, what is “organic?” Technically, organic refers to the way farmers grow and process foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. This side-by-side comparison shows some of the main differences between organic and conventional farming.1
| Organic Farming | Conventional Farming |
|---|---|
| Uses natural fertilizers such as manure or compost to enrich soil and feed plants. | Uses chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. |
| Uses beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. | Sprays insecticides to reduce pests and disease. |
| Manages weeds by rotating crops, tilling, hand weeding or mulching. | Manages weeds with chemical herbicides. |
| Gives animals organic feed and access to the outdoors. Uses preventive measures such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing to help minimize disease. | Gives animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. |
If you’re concerned about the environment and your family’s health and safety, organic could be the way to go. But before you head for the organic aisle, know the facts so you can make the right decisions for your family.
Safety and Quality
Organic foods meet the same safety and quality standards as conventional foods.2 In fact, before a farm can label its food, “organic,” it must pass inspection by a government-approved certifier who makes sure the farmer meets U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food on its way to the grocery store have to be certified, too.3
Nutrition
Experts are still debating whether all organic foods are more nutritious than conventional, but some are clear winners. Organic peanut butter (made from organic peanuts and salt only), for example, is healthier than the kind with added hydrogenated oils and sugar. Don’t worry if the natural oils separate and form a layer on top of the jar; just stir it in until it’s creamy again.4
Cost
Organic food costs a little more, yes, but it’s a small price to pay for the benefits to the earth and your health. Can’t go all the way organic? Spend extra on foods you eat most often or on those that otherwise have the most pesticide residue, such as peaches, apples, grapes and bell peppers.5 Organic baby food is another place you may want to splurge. Babies’ immune systems take a while to fully develop, putting them at greater risk from pesticides than adults.6
1 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255
2 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255
3 http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm114299
4 http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/slideshow-organic-foods?ecd=ppc_google_benefitsoforganicfood_NewsandEventsNEW_Green-OrganicFoodsBenefits_search&gclid=CNLv7sjD4KACFRZinAodpkgVCQ
5 http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/slideshow-organic-foods?ecd=ppc_google_benefitsoforganicfood_NewsandEventsNEW_Green-OrganicFoodsBenefits_search&gclid=CNLv7sjD4KACFRZinAodpkgVCQ
6 http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/slideshow-organic-foods?ecd=ppc_google_benefitsoforganicfood_NewsandEventsNEW_Green-OrganicFoodsBenefits_search&gclid=CNLv7sjD4KACFRZinAodpkgVCQ
7 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/organic-food/NU00255
