| So You Want to Go Organic? |
|
|
| Saturday, 23 September 2006 | |
  What is Organics all about? It's about producing goods that work in harmony with, and not against, nature. The aim is to eradicate the use of harmful chemicals by making effective use of nature's natural resources. All organic products are also free of genetically modified organisms (organisms that have had their basic gene structure modified by the addition of external organism genes). What is Organic Farming? It is the process of adopting environmentally friendly farming practices that protect soil health, the environment and ultimately your own health. Converting to Organic Farming is very challenging and requires patient and committed farmers. Organic farming is subject to the unpredictability of mother nature - making it vulnerable to weather and pest infestations which have no "quick fix" solutions. Farmers utilize a blend of old and new technologies and scientific research to balance the earth's natural ecosystems.
Organic farming produces nutrient rich, fertile soil which nourishes the plants. Keeping chemicals off the land protects water quality and wild life. It's also about practising good animal welfare where everything from breeding, rearing and handling, to feeding of animals is strictly regulated and a free range lifestyle is implemented What are the health benefits of organic products? Over and above the environmental benefits, the health benefits are notable! The hazards for human health of consuming products contaminated by harmful pesticides include increased risks of cancer, reproductive problems and neurological damage. Organically grown produce on the other hand is free of chemical residues, has a much higher vitamin content and is usually more flavoursome (which is why many top restaurants prefer to use organic ingredients). How can I be sure it's organic? There are two levels of organic classification:
A Certified organic product means that the produce and the farming process has been inspected over a period by an independent, specialist certification agency to verify organic authenticity to the consumer. This process normally takes place over a timeframe of about 3 years. During the process, producers may communicate on products that they are "organic in conversion" (as may be seen for example on some major retailers products). These certification organizations really have only one reason for existence: to provide assurance to the consumer that products and organizations which claim to be organic, really do meet organic standards. Several certification agencies exist across the country, and these include Eco Cert, SGS, Afrisco and The Soil Association. (Any certification program should be able to give you their standards upon request). Look for the certification seal or name of the certification agency label. When you see this claim, it means:
|
This is the powerful story of the author's struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and how a healer's unusual prescription of mindful altruism - to 'give away 29 gifts in 29 days' - ignited her energy, her happiness, and invited more abundance into her life.
