Buy organic products

Choosing organic products can offer health advantages to consumers and promote environmental sustainability

Organic products are items produced through methods that prioritize natural processes, avoiding synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This approach is most commonly associated with food but also extends to textiles, personal care items, and other consumer goods.

Choosing organic products can offer health advantages to consumers by minimizing exposure to harmful substances and may provide nutritional benefits. Additionally, organic farming practices promote environmental sustainability through biodiversity enhancement, resource conservation, and pollution reduction.


Definitions and standards:

In the United States, the USDA Organic label signifies that a product meets federal guidelines, which include:
Agricultural Practices: Utilizing natural substances and methods such as crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and ecosystem balance.
USDA

Prohibition of Synthetic Inputs: Avoiding synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs in crop production. For livestock, this includes raising animals without antibiotics or growth hormones and providing organic feed.


Benefits to consumers:

Reduced Exposure to Chemicals: Consuming organic foods can decrease the intake of residues from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, potentially lowering health risks associated with these substances.
Nutritional Content: Some studies suggest that organic produce may have higher levels of certain nutrients, including antioxidants, compared to conventionally grown counterparts.
Avoidance of GMOs: Organic certification prohibits the use of genetically modified organisms, appealing to consumers seeking to avoid GMOs in their diet.


Environmental benefits:

Enhanced Biodiversity: Organic farming practices support a wider variety of plants and animals, contributing to improved soil quality and ecosystem health. Learn more Columbia Climate School News.

Soil and Water Conservation: Techniques such as crop rotation and composting improve soil structure and fertility, while the absence of synthetic chemicals reduces pollution and conserves water resources. Read more at Fresh & Pressed Juice.

Lower Pollution Levels: By eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farming reduces chemical runoff into waterways, decreasing pollution and protecting aquatic life.


Find organic products:

The Organic Trade Association has a comprehensive business directory and resource hub for organic products and services. Users can search for organic ingredients, manufactured products, export-ready U.S. organic goods, fiber and textiles, and various business services related to the organic industry.

The Regenerative Organic Alliance is a nonprofit organization that promotes regenerative organic agriculture. This holistic approach emphasizes soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness, aiming to create long-term solutions to challenges like climate change, factory farming, and rural economic instability. The ROA produces a Certified Farm & Ranch Directory and a Brand & Product Directory.