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As people have become increasingly concerned with the quality and safety of the foods they eat, the "organic" label has become common in grocery stores and restaurants. But what does "organic" mean and is it always the best green choice?
Simply, organic food can be defined as that which is grown without the use of conventional pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or human waste. Furthermore, organic foods cannot be processed with the use of radiation or additives. Foods that meet these standards can obtain official organic certification and be labeled "organic" on their packaging.
For the most part, this means that organic foods are better for you and the planet. They do not contain the potentially toxic substances present in some conventionally grown foods and there is almost no risk of these substances leeching from organic farms into the soil and water.
Organic foods, however, may not always be the greenest option at the grocery store. The distance food travels from farm to store, or the "food miles," is a very important consideration for those on a green diet.
If organic food has come from a farm thousands of miles away, often the case with organic, out-of-season, produce at the grocery store, than it may have used untold amounts of fossil fuels and expelled tons of emissions on its journey. This is one of many reasons to eat locally. And, while organic food is important for a green lifestyle, the greenest option is always the local one. Hopefully, as demand for food that is both local and organic increases, we will be able to have our pesticide-free apples and know where they were grown too.
Think you're a green expert? Does your green lifestyle need some tweaks? Watch the exciting green game show hosted by Tom Green, Go for the Green.
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