What is organic?

I wanted to talk about a very over used and under explained word and what it means... the word organic is used quite a lot nowadays... sometimes as an excuse to increase prices.. but what does it mean?

If something is classed as organic it generally means there have not been any toxic harmful chemicals used when it is being made. It also means that it comes from a natural seed if it is a plant or doesn't contain any GMO derived ingredients. 

In terms of organic food production and farming, it means no manufactured fertilizers or pesticides. All organic food is subject to strict inspection and certification, which checks for GMOs or Chemicals that may be in the supply chain. 

This is regarded as 'better' by a lot of people for a number of reasons:
1. Organic farming cares for the soil and leads to less contamination and erosion.
2. Aminals are fed a better diet and generally kept in better conditions.
3. Better quality food and less use of chemicals lead to better tasting meat or plants.
4. Farmers are not strangled by debt (e.g. farmer suicides in the Punjab)
5. Better wildlife on and around the farm with fewer chemicals in the air soil and water.
6. Less exposure of farm workers to harmful chemicals.

(There is some evidence linking chemicals etc. on food to cancer reproductive issues and hormone problems etc.)

In terms of organic beauty, cosmetic products are manufactured using only organically farmed ingredients. These ingredients are grown without the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GM), herbicides, synthetic fertilisers and more.

This is better for people as the chemicals found in makeup can be quite dangerous and although they are small amounts are absorbed by the skin,

In terms of textiles, organic cotton or bamboo means the chemicals used in the growth of these plants has been restricted. Final products are restricted in the amount of allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemical residues. These residues can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and may cause allergies, skin rashes or respiratory problems.

In contrast, non-organic manufacture uses tens of thousands of acutely toxic chemicals, many of which are classified as hazardous by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

I personally try to choose organic where possible but this can be quite challenging especially with high prices! There are cheap ways of purchasing organic food however like veg boxes, which are good for bulk buys, or growing your own food!