Every Day Can Be Earth Day

by Valerie Gladstone — January 2, 2008

It's never too late to examine your lifestyle and its effect on the environment and your own body. There's a tendency to think it's going to take too much time and effort. There's also a lot of confusion about the meaning of organic and the term environmentally safe. But actually, it is not too complicated and in the long run, as we all know, it will make a huge difference if we all do our part.

What Does Organic Mean?

It is an innovative method of farming and production that is increasingly recognized as being on the leading edge of food and fiber technology:

• Good for the soil. Organic systems rely on a modern and scientific understanding of ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.

• Good for the environment. Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability while making a priority the best management of the environment and wildlife.

• Good for people. Organic-based ingredients have been shown in a number of studies to contain more vitamins, nutrients, and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.

• No synthetic chemicals. Organic systems prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers.

• No GMOs. Certified organic products are produced without Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming. Genetic engineering is a radical new technology that forces genetic information across the protective species barrier in an unnatural way. These laboratory-created mutations are unlabeled, virtually untested, and on grocery shelves everywhere.

Animal Testing

Generally speaking, organic lines don't test on animals, but they may use raw materials from suppliers who do. Check out the Web site sponsored by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals . It provides listings of companies that do and do not test on animals.

Packaging

• Pangea Organics has created 100% compostable, biodegradable packaging for their products. Plus, the boxes are laden with seeds, and you can plant them in soil after soaking them in water. Try their Indian Lemongrass with Rosemary bar soap , whose box creates sweet basil ($8 at www.pangeaorganics.com )

• Cargo has invented 12 rosy shades of PlantLove Botanical Lipstick, whose container tube, made entirely of corn, will help prevent global warming by emitting fewer greenhouse gases. And the carton containing the product is embedded with wildflower seeds that you may plant to start your own garden ($20 at Sephora.com ).

• Burt's Bees is another conscientious company who makes the environment a priority in all of its manufacturing and packaging processes. Try their Citrus Facial Scrubs ($7.50 at www.burtsbees.com ).