Organics more than just a food alternative
Nutritionist clears up some misconceptions of scrutinized term
National Organic Week in Canada starts Saturday — and it’s considered one of the largest, annual celebrations of organic food across the nation. Organic represents not only a vibrant alternative food system, but substitute options for clothing, cleaning products and personal care items.
It’s wonderful that we embrace the cause — but the term “organic” has been under the microscope of late, for a variety of reasons. There are misconceptions as to exactly what the term means, and how it impacts on the average person. Consumers will say they want to eat the right foods, and make the wisest choices, but, at the end of the day, what sets one egg apart from another? What makes this carrot different? Why should I worry about what’s in my cleaning product?
Just what does it mean when you say you’re going organic?
“Going organic means exposing ourselves less to synthetic materials,” says Michelle W. Book, the Canadian Health Food Association’s (CHFA) in-house holistic nutritionist. Book says the science on the nutritional benefits of organic continues to develop, “yet we can already see the broad differences, including a mandate for sustainable and healthy production, humane animal treatment guidelines, and traceability from farm to table,” she says, adding “choosing organic means investing in the well-being of the environment, from the air you breathe, to the water you drink and the land you live on.”
According to Organic Canada/ Biologique Canada (organized by CHFA, Canadian Organic Grows and the Organic Trade Association, in collaboration with sponsors and regional partners across the country) organic is also the only non-genetically modified organism (GMO) standard overseen by the Canadian government. With organic standards, GMOs are forbidden in seeds, animal feed and the ingredients of processed organic food and products.
Consumers should be aware that organic farmers work in harmony with nature, says Book, adding “organic agriculture builds healthy ecosystems, and organic farms have higher biodiversity on and around them, promoting sustainability and ecological balance.”
It’s all about reducing pollution and wasted energy, building healthy soils, protecting our water and “leaving fertile land that will provide for future generations, and help to sequester carbon back.”
For more on Organic Week, running until Sept. 24, go to organicweek.ca.