In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


Organic Products - What Does It Mean To Be Organic

Copyright (c) 2009-2023

In 1933, Lord Northbourne published a book titled 'Look to the Land,' in which he outlined certain methods of food production he termed 'Organic.' His goal was to establish a view of the farm as an organism, self-contained and self-sustaining, in opposition to what he termed unsustainable 'chemical farming' relying on fertilizers and chemical pesticides. In large part, this organic farming was not a particular change from traditional farming techniques at the time.

In the mid-20th century, the 'Green Revolution' led to widespread methods of chemical and industrialized farming that is still used today. As a reaction to the perceived weaknesses of these modern farming techniques, organic farming has grown in popularity in recent decades and particularly in the last ten years.

What is Organic

Briefly, organic food is that which is farmed using organic farming methods. This means excluding food additives and genetically modified ingredients and avoiding the use of inorganic farming techniques such as chemical pesticides or crop irradiation. The exact definition of organic food can vary - according to the FDA, food is considered Organic if it consists of 95% or more organic ingredients. Other markets may have greater or fewer restrictions, depending on the criteria of various government agencies and the terms they set.

Know Your Food

Prior to the modern boom in organic popularity, the only way to be certain a product was organic was direct observation. Organically minded consumers would visit local farms and buy directly from farmers they knew to rely on organic techniques. They could observe firsthand the way produce was grown or the techniques used to milk cows. They could discuss changes and conditions with their provider, and generally the motto of the day was "Know your farmer, know your food."

This changed with the rapid increase in demand for organic food in recent years - as entire organic supermarkets such as Whole Foods came into being, consumption moved into the mainstream. Not everyone in the suburbs or major urban centers of the world is equipped with the knowledge or the time to get to know their individual local farmers, and sometimes organic produce can travel a great distance between production and distribution. Thus, third party agencies and government organizations have stepped in to create labels that certify products as organic in accordance with various private and public standards.

This does result in a disconnect, and require a sense of trust in these agencies.

Concerned consumers are therefore advised to research the standards set down by the certifying groups, and to do a little online research into how they go about making their decisions. Again, for example, the US certifies any product with at least 95% organic 'ingredients' as organic. This may mean that the end product itself was not prepared in accordance with organic procedures, or is packaged in an inorganic container. A little research can help allay or confirm suspicions and concerns such as these, so the educated consumer becomes the happy consumer.

Why Buy Organic

There are as many reasons for buying organic as there are products to buy. One of the most cited reasons is improved taste and food quality over industrially farmed food. Blind taste tests comparing conventionally and organically farmed apples indicated organic apples were usually sweeter and firmer than their competition. Proponents claim the lack of additives allows the natural, complex flavors of the food to come out and really captivate the consumer.

Another incentive is for personal health. Organic food is farmed with extensive restrictions on the use of pesticides, either in a complete ban or with specific, very strict criteria for their use. Thus, the USDA has released studies indicating that nearly thirty percent of organic foods contain no discernible pesticide residues, and the remainder have them in very small quantities. This is in comparison to conventionally produced foods, which can have as much as two thirds more pesticide residue than organically produced equivalents. Not every pesticide causes demonstrable harm to consumers. However, the point is that people can make better decisions for their health and their lifestyle when they know what is and what isn't going into their bodies.

The lack of pesticides also creates an environmental benefit important to many organically minded consumers. Pesticides can and do run into the local ecosystem surrounding any farming endeavor, and can cause havoc that may take generations to uncover and even longer to repair. Organic farming offers less impact on the ecology of the community and allows for a sense of civic responsibility and pride in participants.

A Little More Money

That said, organic farming does come with a hefty price tag. Since the same amount of land is producing less than conventionally farmed land, organic produce and goods can cost as much as 40% more than the alternative. A half-gallon of organic milk can cost as much as a full gallon of conventionally produced milk, which affects consumers' bottom line. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce this cost, again with a little bit of research.

For example, consider organic strawberries. These of course cost more than conventional strawberries, due to the strict and exacting standards required for their production. However, even the price of organic strawberries will go down during strawberry season, since the market will be flooded with the product, both organic and conventional. So, with a bit of research consumers can find out what seasons are best for each product they're interested in and buy in accordance with these cycles. Additionally, many organic companies offer special coupons and sales, just as do traditional supermarkets. A few minutes searching the web may yield a nice two-for-one sale on organic corn just in time for a big family dinner.

As with any passion, the key to truly getting the best use out of organic products comes from information, consideration, and action.




About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Janet Davis and her husband are health and nutrition entrepreneurs and founders of Mark And Janet, a website with uncompromising, premium products for your health conscious family. For more on going green -- Visit us at http://www.MarkandJanet.com/ or check out our blog at http://www.MarkandJanetBlog.com/

VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.



Top-Level Category: Food and Drink Articles || Related Categories: Home and Garden Articles and Shopping Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Janet Davis

Five Factors in Managing Diabetes Naturally
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-26 | Word Count: 868 | Page Views: 3983 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.75
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses, affecting millions of people worldwide and their diet has a great deal to say about how the condition will continue to affect them. Proper diet can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, but even in patients who have been diagnosed with either condition, a healthy diet can reduce the side effects and secondary illnesses that tend to crop up. Here are five factors to consider when managing diabetes.

The Dress Code - Five Steps to a Greener Wardrobe
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-21 | Word Count: 882 | Page Views: 4834 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 1.33
We care about our planet, and want to leave it as good as we found it for our children and for everyone. The wonderful thing about this is that there are countless ways to live green. Consider the budding green and organic clothing movement. Clothes are often made from plant materials like cotton, and these can be grown under organic conditions just like food products. With that in mind, here are five ways you can start dressing green.

Four Nutrients For Healthy Eyes
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-19 | Word Count: 857 | Page Views: 4316 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 2.50
Sight is incredibly important and, just like any other function of the body, is largely dependent upon proper nutrition. However, it also may be a part of our nutrition that we don't actively think about supporting. Here, we discuss four key nutrients that can help bolster eye health.

Eating Healthy While Saving Money
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-14 | Word Count: 730 | Page Views: 4265 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.75
Today, when everyone wants to watch their budget, cost cutting is the name of the game and our diets frequently suffer as a result. However, there are a number of ways to save money and still eat reasonably healthy foods, rather than sacrificing one for the other.

Natural Skin Care for Acne
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-12 | Word Count: 722 | Page Views: 4029 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
Acne affects nearly everyone at some point in his or her life. It can be painful to endure, and even leave scars if severe enough. While there are many remedies available for over the counter or prescription purchase, some products are laden with chemicals and acids that may have adverse effects. Fortunately, there are effective natural alternatives to these harsh chemical treatments.

Your Healthy Life: Dietary Fiber
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-07 | Word Count: 826 | Page Views: 3930 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
When people talk about dietary fiber, they immediately think of older people taking large fiber tablets, but proper fiber intake can benefit everyone at every age. Fiber intake can help ease digestion and can also lower cholesterol, which is a leading cause of heart disease, making it a highly effective, multi-purpose treatment for healthy living.

Natural Skin Care Tips for Men
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2010-01-05 | Word Count: 946 | Page Views: 4403 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 1.67
In light of all that skin does for the body, the case for proper skin care seems to be a strong one, but frequently skin is the one organ people seem to think they can let take a beating. Men in particular seem prone to developing roughed up skin, but there are fortunately many ways that men can take better care of this incredibly important organ.

Shopping Online to Save Time and Money
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2009-12-31 | Word Count: 880 | Page Views: 4665 | Votes: 4 | Rating: 1.50
There is a certain convenience in shopping from the comfort of one's own home, a convenience that has been met in the past through mail-order catalogs, shopping television channels, and home-delivered grocery services. With the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, this trend has reached its culmination and most elegant expression yet.

Staying Warm While Staying Green
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2009-12-17 | Word Count: 807 | Page Views: 4076 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 2.00
Everyone wants to stay warm, but a green-minded person wants to do so while keeping the impact on the environment to a minimum. Fortunately, there are both active and passive steps to green ways of keeping a home warm during the winter months.

An Easy Start to Going Green
Written by: Janet Davis | Distributed: 2009-12-15 | Word Count: 953 | Page Views: 4153 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 1.33
No one expects every person to be an Erin Brockovich, or every family to pull off an experiment like the New York family that didn't discard most of their waste but recycled literally everything except food. The key is rather that every person and every family can take small but worthwhile steps to reduce their impact on the environment; steps that fit right into their daily routine, rather than throwing it completely off kilter.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "Food And Drink" Articles

How To Order A Round Of Delicious Galliano Sambuca Cocktails By Hand
Written by: Speak Sambuca | Distributed: 2009-01-22 | Word Count: 520 | Page Views: 4387 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 2.33
Next time you're at your local bar choose from one of these delicious Galliano Sambuca cocktails created for a refreshing drink amongst friends or just a relaxing drink on your own.

Is There a Connection Between Food Allergies and Mental Health?
Written by: Valerie Balandra ARNP | Distributed: 2008-09-02 | Word Count: 925 | Page Views: 5675 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.33
When it comes to the topic of food allergies, many of us think of young children and peanut allergies. After all, the sometimes-fatal reactions of those with peanut allergies are responsible for warnings on food, in restaurants, and other establishments where one may come in contact with peanuts or peanut residue. You should know, though, that food allergies go well beyond peanuts, young children, and physical reactions.

Is the Plucking Time Important When Choosing White Licorice Tea?
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-27 | Word Count: 863 | Page Views: 4839 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.80
White tea is the rarest tea in the world. Long praised in Asia, it is just beginning to gain popularity in the Western world. People everywhere are clamoring to get their hands on this rare treat. White tea is used in many blends, and none is more refreshing than White Licorice Tea. White Licorice tea is a delicious blend of fine white tea and star anise to provide the licorice flavor.

Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-23 | Word Count: 566 | Page Views: 5659 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.57
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures throughout history.

Tea and Alcoholism: A Long History
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-22 | Word Count: 585 | Page Views: 5588 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.33
Anyone who suffers from alcoholism knows that it is an incurable disease that is as insidious as it is devastating. But with total abstinence from drink and the use of support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous recovery can be life long.

Taxing Tea - A British Tradition
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-21 | Word Count: 947 | Page Views: 5504 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.33
While British citizens likely saw the first importations of tea from the Orient in the 1500 to 1600s as a sensation that added a little spark to their traditional coffee houses, the government saw something else - money. As this beverage quickly became the favored choice of the lower classes, British nobility saw a way to line the coffers of government.

Private Label Bottled Water - How Important is Label Design?
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-14 | Word Count: 483 | Page Views: 5045 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 1.44
Private label bottled water has been proven as an effective marketing promotion and brand builder but care must be taken in the quality of the design in order to avoid ruining the branding message and reducing the quality of the brand.

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water Vs Purified Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-14 | Word Count: 584 | Page Views: 6357 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 0.63
When you compare purified water against spring water the truth is revealed: If you want water that contains contaminants, is based upon hype, word parsing and marketing exaggeration - then drink spring water. If you want to drink water that is 100 percent pure and provides a healthy lifestyle for you and your family - drink purified water.

The Real Truth About Bottled Water, Purified Water and Tap Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-13 | Word Count: 1822 | Page Views: 4988 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 1.60
There has been substantial information and misinformation about bottled water and its value and beneficial effecst. Many people and organizations have joined the argument and the pros and cons have been widely discussed. As a result there has been a significant amount of disinformation distributed and discussed.

5 Items to Check When Buying Private Label Bottled Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-13 | Word Count: 587 | Page Views: 4510 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.71
As the popularity of private label bottled water grows as a cost effective way to promote corporate brands and advertise, it becomes more and more important to purchase from a reliable supplier.

Most Viewed "Food And Drink" Articles

Purified Water Vs Spring Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-04-25 | Word Count: 869 | Page Views: 15467 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 2.61
As the overall safety of the public water supply is under scrutiny thanks to a recent Associated Press study that uncovered some disturbing contaminants, many consumers are likely finding themselves wondering if bottled water is better. For many, the facts about bottled water will make this the clear choice.

Production of Tea: Orthodox Tea Vs, CTC (Crush, Tear, Curl) Tea
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-08 | Word Count: 339 | Page Views: 8203 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 2.11
Most orthodox teas are produced in China, Sri Lanka, Darjeeling and Assam. They represent about 31 percent of world tea production. An additional 25 percent is green and oolong tea. This means that about 55 percent or over one half of all tea produced is processed by the orthodox form of processing.

Food in South East Asia
Written by: Alex J Smith | Distributed: 2007-10-12 | Word Count: 440 | Page Views: 6468 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.77
The rich culture of South East Asia lies at the tastiest food in the world. Once known as the land of the spices, the food of the Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians are among the most famous exotic creations. Much of the identity of South East Asia lies on the different food that come from unique, yet common backgrounds following the influences of Indian, Chinese, and the European colonizers along with the local flavour.

How to Make Simple Quesadillas Your Whole Family Will Love
Written by: Shelia Norling | Distributed: 2008-02-26 | Word Count: 550 | Page Views: 6382 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.55
Here's a simple dinner you can make any time. My family loves it when I fix quesadillas and I love it because they're so easy I can fix them when I don't have a lot of time. These quesadillas are similar to what you might order in a restaurant but they're not as greasy as they sometimes can be.

The Truth About Bottled Spring Water Vs Purified Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-14 | Word Count: 584 | Page Views: 6357 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 0.63
When you compare purified water against spring water the truth is revealed: If you want water that contains contaminants, is based upon hype, word parsing and marketing exaggeration - then drink spring water. If you want to drink water that is 100 percent pure and provides a healthy lifestyle for you and your family - drink purified water.

Drinking Vanilla Jasmine Tea
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-07-30 | Word Count: 904 | Page Views: 6190 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.10
Jasmine tea is the most popular variety of flavored tea. And, vanilla jasmine is a unique blend of this fine tea, blended especially for extra flavor. If you've never tried vanilla jasmine tea, you're in for a real treat.

Is There a Connection Between Food Allergies and Mental Health?
Written by: Valerie Balandra ARNP | Distributed: 2008-09-02 | Word Count: 925 | Page Views: 5675 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.33
When it comes to the topic of food allergies, many of us think of young children and peanut allergies. After all, the sometimes-fatal reactions of those with peanut allergies are responsible for warnings on food, in restaurants, and other establishments where one may come in contact with peanuts or peanut residue. You should know, though, that food allergies go well beyond peanuts, young children, and physical reactions.

Tea, Sugar and Slavery
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-23 | Word Count: 566 | Page Views: 5659 | Votes: 7 | Rating: 1.57
Of all the evils that have affected mankind, slavery or human bondage ranks among the worst. Slavery, in all its various forms from ancient empires like Rome to the ante bellum American South to the slave labor of Hitler's Third Reich and the Soviet Gulags has ruined millions of lives and degraded many cultures throughout history.

What Is A Quality Vanilla Jasmine Tea Garden?
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-07-31 | Word Count: 871 | Page Views: 5626 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.00
The vast majority of those who drink tea have tasted at least one variety of jasmine tea. However, vanilla jasmine tea, one of the most flavorful varieties of jasmine tea, is less familiar. But, you'll not find a more delicious blend of tea than vanilla jasmine in terms of both flavor and aroma.

Vanilla Jasmine Tea: India's Teas Vs. Ceylon Teas
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2007-07-27 | Word Count: 850 | Page Views: 5593 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.36
One of the most delicious blends of tea is vanilla jasmine. There are many varieties of vanilla jasmine tea since it could be made from any type of tea. While jasmine tea has traditionally been made from green tea, vanilla jasmine tea is found as often made from black tea as green.

Highest Ranked "Food And Drink" Articles

Tea: What Are Good White Tea Blends
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-12 | Word Count: 859 | Page Views: 4842 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 3.20
One of the most recent trends in Western tea drinking is white tea. Though white tea has been around for centuries, it has only recently become popular outside of the Asian world. And, even in China and Japan, where most white tea is grown, it was traditionally reserved for special occasions because of its rarity. Today, however, tea drinkers all over the world are enjoying white tea more and more.

The Experience of Chai
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-04-28 | Word Count: 822 | Page Views: 4520 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.09
Indians have been drinking chai for over 5000 years, and they drink it hot or cold. Legend has it that chai was invented by a king in the courts of India and Siam. It is told that he protected the recipe tightly, guarding it as a treasure. Chai was used as part of a Hindu natural healing system called ayurveda. Ayurveda used spices, herbs and sweeteners in precise combinations to cure ailments.

What Is A Quality Vanilla Jasmine Tea Garden?
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-07-31 | Word Count: 871 | Page Views: 5626 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.00
The vast majority of those who drink tea have tasted at least one variety of jasmine tea. However, vanilla jasmine tea, one of the most flavorful varieties of jasmine tea, is less familiar. But, you'll not find a more delicious blend of tea than vanilla jasmine in terms of both flavor and aroma.

Food in South East Asia
Written by: Alex J Smith | Distributed: 2007-10-12 | Word Count: 440 | Page Views: 6468 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.77
The rich culture of South East Asia lies at the tastiest food in the world. Once known as the land of the spices, the food of the Thais, Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Indonesians are among the most famous exotic creations. Much of the identity of South East Asia lies on the different food that come from unique, yet common backgrounds following the influences of Indian, Chinese, and the European colonizers along with the local flavour.

Choosing a Tea Company
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-06 | Word Count: 420 | Page Views: 4520 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Tea connoisseurs are always looking for the best teas. And, often we're disappointed. Many times we pay good money for tea that lacks flavor, even though we've purchased loose tea from what we believe to be a good company.

History of Tea in Hong Kong: Tea, Opium and the Balance of Trade
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-05-07 | Word Count: 1336 | Page Views: 5176 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.63
Even the most casual visit to Hong Kong cannot help but notice what a uniquely vibrant Asia city it is. Hong Kong is exciting, different, exotic and welcoming - all rolled into one. It is basically Chinese (the majority of the residents are Cantonese) but most people speak English and almost all are engaged in some form of commerce.

Purified Water Vs Spring Water
Written by: Jon M. Stout | Distributed: 2008-04-25 | Word Count: 869 | Page Views: 15467 | Votes: 23 | Rating: 2.61
As the overall safety of the public water supply is under scrutiny thanks to a recent Associated Press study that uncovered some disturbing contaminants, many consumers are likely finding themselves wondering if bottled water is better. For many, the facts about bottled water will make this the clear choice.

How to Make Simple Quesadillas Your Whole Family Will Love
Written by: Shelia Norling | Distributed: 2008-02-26 | Word Count: 550 | Page Views: 6382 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.55
Here's a simple dinner you can make any time. My family loves it when I fix quesadillas and I love it because they're so easy I can fix them when I don't have a lot of time. These quesadillas are similar to what you might order in a restaurant but they're not as greasy as they sometimes can be.

Reflux Gone Forever Presents the Perfect Holiday Dinner Menu
Written by: Charles Stewart Richey | Distributed: 2007-10-25 | Word Count: 1371 | Page Views: 4795 | Votes: 13 | Rating: 2.38
During the holiday season, we are tempted to indulge in all those fatty, sweet and acidic foods that we enjoyed so much in childhood. We like to think of this as comfort food, however, acid indigestion is anything but comfort to those who suffer from it. Thankfully, there are simple ways to make seasonal dishes healthier without ruining all the fun. Bon appetite!

The Best Vanilla Jasmine Tea Pluckings
Written by: Marcus Stout | Distributed: 2007-07-27 | Word Count: 850 | Page Views: 5322 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 2.36
Whenever you're trying a new tea for the first time, you want to ensure that you get the very best quality in the tea. Vanilla jasmine tea is becoming a favorite of many tea drinkers because of its sweet, comforting and fragrant flavor. And, the flavors of vanilla and jasmine blend so well with any flavor, this tea can be made from green, white, black or oolong teas.











Download an eBook today
 
Directory Navigation
Locate By Category:

ALL Categories
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - Offline
Business - Online
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Finance
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet
Nature & Pets
Real Estate
Religion
Self Improvement
Shopping
Society
Sports & Recreation
Technology
Travel & Leisure
Uncategorized
World Events
Writing & Speaking

Change Number of Results:
50 - 100 - 200 - 500
Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Statistics
Word Count: 969

Total Views: 4699

Article Rating: 2.50 of 5
Votes Cast: 4

More Articles By Author:



Last Distribution Date:
2009-10-29 10:45:00

Internal ID: #7088





All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com