Organic

  What exactly IS organic? Well, it is not likely what you think it is.
  Most people, who don't know any better, think organic is (for example) a vegetable grown in dirt that isn't dirty and without any kind of pesticide.
  Hmm. Well, unfortunately, most people who buy 'organic' are buying it from the grocery store. And, news alert, the USDA has a very different definition of organic than what you might expect.
  One dictionary definition of organic is as follows;

or·gan·ic

[ awr gánn ik ]

1. of living things: relating to, derived from, or characteristic of living things
2. developing naturally: occurring or developing gradually and naturally, without being forced or contrived
3. intrinsic: forming a basic and inherent part of something and largely responsible for its identity or makeup

Specifically looking at number 2, we get the idea that an organic vegetable would be allowed to develop normally and naturally, without being altered in the first place (GMO) or smothered with pesticides. That would seem to be 'not contrived'.
  Here is how the USDA defines organic;
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) defines organic as follows:

Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certified inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too

  Did you see that very uncomfortable word "MOST"? It glares out at me like a sore thumb and is evident of a lot of wiggle room...
  If you google 'Which pesticides does the USDA allow to be used on organic vegetables", this is what you will find;
 

Allowable Synthetic Substances in Crop Production

Ethanol and isopropanol are allowable alcohols for use as disinfectants and sanitizers, all important in keeping irrigation systems uncontaminated. Permitted chlorines are calcium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide and sodium hypochlorite, commonly used in food production to kill bacteria. In addition, copper sulfate is allowed for the killing of algae and unwelcome mosses in heavily irrigated crops like rice, but is limited in application to once every two years. For the extermination of pests and insects, USDA allows the use of boric acid and ammonium carbonate, as long as they are trap-based and have no contact with crop or soil

 
  This my friends, is not my definition of organic.
  And honestly, local home gardens are not much better most of the time. People think that because a vegetable is grown 'at home' that it is automatically better.
  The problem is though that most home gardeners use Sevin dust. Did you know that Sevin dust is illegal in the UK?
  To quote a UK website;

Legal Status

The active ingredient in Sevin dust, carbaryl, is banned in the United Kingdom and has been since 2001, after a review of the safety of organophosphate acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors and carbamate, of which carbaryl is one.

 

  Somehow that doesnt sound organic OR safe.

What then is the solution????

  Dont get me wrong; it is a great alternative to buy organic veggies at the store when your other option is commercial products. This should definitely be a first step in building up our health.

  And unfortunately, at the local farmers market in the summer, the veggies you buy may be just at toxic as commercial brands. So you must ASK.

  There is something more to think about as well, just because a farm is not 'certified organic' they may offer the safest, cleanest , most non toxic food you have ever eaten!

  'Certified Organic' is a designation you apply for from a govt agency. They determine the standard. Remember, their standards for organic are not the same as what your standard may be. Certainly not mine! Just because a farm is not 'certified organic' doesnt mean a thing! That is right...

  I know many farmers who are completely natural, use no chemical toxic pesticides and I even know a couple who are 'beyond organic'....we will save that topic for another day. On the other hand, an old couple who live nearby and have a garden every year,and have the most toxic vegetables imaginable! They freely use the very Sevin dust that is illegal in other countries!

  Be safe and dont be sorry. KNOW YOUR FARMER! Look for a local CSA~Ask questions when you go to a farmers market. And by all means dont discount healthy clean food because someone isnt certified organic.

  When all else fails, if you cant find safe food.....grow your own! We are inundated with pollution and pesticides more than we ever have been in history. And to add insult to injury, commercial production of vegetation begins with an unnatural GMO seed. How corrupt the food chain has become!

  So do your fearfully and wonderfully made body a favor. Find and eat truely organic food! Clean, safe food. Your body will thank you!