"Organic" and "organic certification" are relatively new terms that promise us healthier foods and products. It’s common sense that foods and products that adhere to the National Organic Standard are better for us and the environment than the "conventional" equivalents, but it’s also important to think outside the organic box and realize that organic standards are simply how we used to live.
Organic is nothing new
Not too long ago organic was simply the way things were. Locally grown fresh food, raw dairy, fresh nutritious foods made from scratch, natural fibers, and natural materials were normal. Now these things are special, come at a premium, and in some cases are outlawed altogether. (Interestingly, some of the most powerful and influential people on the planet own farms that operate based on organic principals).
While organic offers some assurances, ultimately it’s a set of standards and a label -- and there’s a great deal of trust involved that the label and the standards are adhered to and enforced. Let’s not get started on big business and food monopolies and instead look beyond organic.
We can decide or big business will decide for us
Our local farmers and craftspeople (those we can talk directly to and visit) can often offer us more than the official organic label. Even though these farmers may not be certified, their product may actually exceed organic standards – ask them – ask them for any information you need to foster a level of trust. Local food that’s picked fresh is often more satisfying than the organic counterpart that’s “picked green” and sourced from overseas. When we support our local communities we support ourselves, well worth the investment (even if it does financially cost a little more). If we don’t offer this support, our local farmers will be gone for good and we’ll be left with whatever big business decides to serve up.
If you can, start your own vegetable garden, plant a fruit tree, or simply put a few herbs into pots. Share and barter with your neighbors! At the least we’ll respect our local farmers even more when we discover the importance of such things as organic potting mix and soil, organic heirloom seeds, composting, and organic pest control just to grow things as our grandparents did.
- Matthew, eZoetic.com Founder