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Have a Green Thanksgiving

Kelly Rossiter, Toronto

Kelly Rossiter

By Kelly Rossiter
Toronto, Canada | Sun Mar 23, 2008 01:21 PM ET

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The Web site Greener Choices.org has outlined, clearly and concisely, what the terminology surrounding organic products mean. This will give you the information you need to make healthier, greener choices when purchasing your food.

If you are planning on having a turkey this Thanksgiving now is the time to search out a supplier for your organic bird and get your order in. The team at Planet Green also encourages you to buy local fruits and vegetables for your Thanksgiving table.Turkey and other meat

Certified organic and biodynamic turkey and other meat comes from animals raised without antibiotics, growth hormones or feed made from animal byproducts. Also, unlike conventional foods, no genetic modification, synthetic pesticides or use of fertilizer made from sewage sludge is allowed. Look for organic and biodynamic meat at your local farmers market and natural or conventional grocery store.

Certified humane and free farmed meat comes from animals raised by farmers who follow humane treatment standards. Growth hormones are prohibited and animals are raised without antibiotics (antibiotics can be used in the treatment of sick animals, however). Access to clean and sufficient food and water, and a safe and healthful living environment, is also required. Producers must comply with environmental standards and processors must follow the American Meat Institute Standards-a higher standard for slaughtering farm animals than required by the Federal Humane Slaughter Act. Look for meat with these labels at your local farmers market and natural or conventional grocery store.

Heritage breeds, while not identified by a particular eco-label, are traditional animal breeds that were raised before the onset of industrial agriculture, when biodiversity in livestock began to dwindle. Look for heritage breeds at your local farmers market or visit Heritage Foods USA or the Eat Well Guide - and visit early, as products are known to sell out quickly. To learn more about heritage breeds, visit Sustainable Table, a project of the nonprofit organization, GRACE.

Fruits and vegetables

Certified organic and biodynamic produce is grown without genetic modification, synthetic pesticides or use of fertilizer made from sewage sludge. Look for organic and biodynamic produce at your local farmers market and natural or conventional grocery store.

Fair-trade-certified produce is grown by farmers and workers in developing nations who receive a fair price for their product. Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers. Crops, including bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and grapes, are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of harmful pesticides. To find out where fair-trade-certified products are sold, visit TransFair USA.

Heirloom varieties, while not identified by a particular eco-label, are traditional fruit and vegetable varieties that were raised before the onset of industrial agriculture, when biodiversity in produce began to dwindle. Look for heirloom varieties at your local farmers market or the Eat Well Guide. To learn more about heirloom varieties, visit Sustainable Table.

Difficulty level: Easy

 
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