When you buy certified organic food and products, your dollars cast a vote for a healthier planet. A product identified as "organic" must be USDA certified.

Look for the label
When you buy certified organic food and products, your dollars cast a vote for a healthier planet because of organic agricultural and processing practices. A product identified as "organic" must be USDA certified:

1)  "100% Organic" means all ingredients are organic 
2)  "Organic " means 95% are organics 
3)  "Made with organics," means at least 70% are organic

Organic foods taste good and are good for you
They are produced without use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), harmful pesticides, hormones, synthetics or antibiotics.

Reduces health risks to you and your children
Children receive four times the exposure than an adult to at least eight widely used cancer-causing pesticides in food. The food choice you make now will impact your child's health in the future. Many EPA-approved pesticides were registered long before extensive research linked these chemicals to cancer and other diseases. Now, the EPA considers 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides, and 30% of all insecticides as potentially cancer causing.

The more we buy, the less it costs
Organic farming is the fastest growing segment of US agriculture with sales rising 20% a year.
There is a 30% growth in the number of organic acres each year

It is environmentally friendly
Organic farming uses scientific understanding of ecology and soil science. Organics do not rely on synthetic fertilizers, they build their soil through natural amenities, such as composted manure, and by planting diverse crops. The diversity of crops increases soil fertility as well as diversity of organisms.

Preserves biodiversity
Organic farming recognizes the value of preserving a diversity of seed varieties. Many growers have been collecting and using heirloom seed varieties for decades. On the other hand, many conventional farms still grow hybridized vegetables and fruits, bred for uniformity, ease of shipping and cosmetic appearance. Such practices ignore the value of preserving a more balanced ecosystem.

Protects water quality
Organics eliminates polluting chemicals and nitrogen from leaching into the soil.

What’s good for the land is good for farmers and workers
20,000 farm workers die each year form exposure to chemicals.

Buy locally and seasonally
It is fresher, tastier and more nutritious. The less miles your favorite food travels from field to table the fewer resources are used. Eating seasonal foods within your geographic area will support your health and the local farmers.

Get to know the natural food stores in your neighborhood
Some conventional markets are now devoting small sections to organics... but read labels carefully. Natural food stores are popping up everywhere these days. Find them.

Consider supporting Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) In your area
Foods will be at peak of ripeness, flavor, vitamin and mineral content. Check it out carefully. Not all are organic. Check out these links for starters:

     -Local Harvest
     -Robin Van En Center

It places great emphasis on animal welfare
When you choose to eat less meat you reduce burden on food production on the earth. If you do eat meat stick to organics that do not use hormones or antibiotics.

When eating out, consider patronizing restaurants that support organic farmers in your area

Check out Chef’s Collaborative, a national network of more than 1000 members of the food community who promote sustainable cuisine.