SPONSORED BY NATRACARE
“When we demand organic, we are demanding poison-free food. We are demanding clean air. We are demanding pure, fresh water. We are demanding soil that is free to do its joband seeds that are free of toxins. We are demanding that our children be protected from harm. We all need to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done— buy organic whenever we can, insist on organic, fight for organic and work to make it the norm.” ~ Maria Rodale (Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World and Keep Us Safe)
Every time you make a purchase, you cast a vote with your dollars – a vote that has the power to lessen impact on people and planet. All it takes is becoming informed, shifting habits and practices, which can be as simple as buying a piece of certified organic produce, today for example.
But what exactly does the term “certified organic” mean, and why should you care? At the most basic level, “certified organic” means that a product was produced without harm to soil, water, air, humans and all species –– promoting ecological health and biodiversity. Certified organic goods must meet specific production requirements as outlined by national organic programs and independent certifiers.
Buying certified organic also means you’re supporting the farmers and businesses that are placing human (that’s you, the consumer) and environmental health first. But how? Take an apple for example. The average conventionally grown apple has about 47 pesticide residues on its surface, many of which are known or probable human carcinogens (substances capable of causing cancer in living tissue). When you opt for organic, however, whether it’s in the form of food or textiles, you’re actually reducing your exposure to harmful pesticide residues.
With more than 50% of millennials and centennials buying organic, our generation is leading the charge in expanding organic purchasing, which means big businesses are doing a major rethink. In fact, EcoWatch reports that our decision to buy organic is actually shifting markets globally.
Remember, as a consumer, you vote with your dollar. With every certified organic purchase you make, you have the power to support responsibly produced goods. For more information and inspiration, check out Natracare’s video on “5 Fantastic Facts About Cotton”, The Organic Center’s factsheet on the “Top 12 Reasons to Go Organic” and Friends of the Earth’s new report on “Farming for the Future”.
Check out today’s GOOD READ from EcoWatch.
Together, with our partners, Natracare, The Organic Center, and Friends of the Earth, we believe that every step we take in the right direction makes a difference in strengthening communities, personal health, environmental impact, and commitment to one another, and thus our collective future.
Product labels are really important. They were created to help you better understand what you buy, consume, and put into or onto your body. But with all of the hype out there, sometimes it’s hard to decipher if the label is really telling the true story. If you understand what the labels mean, then you’ll also learn a lot about a company’s ethics, integrity, and values. Having a USDA organic certification holds a third party accountable for ensuring that ethical business practices are being adhered to and that there is oversight and enforcement
Upload a PDF Document with your responses and links to your studies. Include your name (or team name), username, email address, and school.
Submission Guidelines
When people think of “organic” they usually connect it with food, but the label covers a wide variety of products used in our daily lives. But be aware of what is referred to as “greenwashing”. Companies often use misleading images like rolling green pastures, bright blue skies, vivid leaves, or even the words “natural” and “organic” to create the illusion that their products are eco-friendly, even when they’re not.
Upload a PDF Document with your responses and a screenshot of your social media post. Include your name (or team name), username, email address, and school.
Submission Guidelines
According to the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) there are now more than 31,000 certified organic operations around the world. The numbers are increasing every year, as organic product sales in the United States have hit $43.3 billion and 75 billion globally. Clearly, more consumers are realizing the benefits of organics. But do they all know what “organic” really means?
Upload a PDF Document with your responses, an outline of what you talked about, and a link to your video recording on YouTube. Include your name (or team name), username, email address, and school.
Submission Guidelines
Due: October 9, 2016, at 6 am PT
Now that you are starting to get a sense of what organic means and how it impacts your life and our planet, we want you to dive a little deeper. We often hear that access and cost are obstacles to organic. Yet, we believe it’s important to strike a balance, to buy thoughtfully but with intention. The more of us who support organic, the better prices will become.
We want you to curate a day in your life – with an organic edge. While it might not be something you need to do overnight, this challenge will help you think about the options that are in front of you, and how you might incorporate new choices into your routine over time – something to aspire toward. There are many things to consider like budget and access. But for now, dream and create. See where it leads you.
Here’s the challenge. Picture a day in your life. Think about what you eat, touch, wear, live with, and even sleep on. What would the certified organic version of those products be and where would you find them?
Upload a PDF Document with a link to your Pinterest board, and your response. Include your name (or team name), username, email address, and school.
Submission Guidelines
Girls:
Natracare Organic Cotton Tote Bag
Natracare Organic Cotton Makeup Removal Wipes
Natracare Organic Cotton Tampons
Natracare Organic Cotton Ultra Pads
Natracare Organic Cotton Panty Liners
Desert Essence Restorative Face Oil
Boys:
Clif Bar Organic Z Bars (4)
Clif Bar Organic Energy Bloks (4)
Amy’s Organic Cotton Bag
Everyone:
Gaia Herbs Organic Maca Powder
Annie’s Organic Grass Fed Shells & Aged Cheddar
Nutiva Organic Buttery Flavor Coconut Oil
Arrowhead Mills Organic White Popcorn
All Things Organic Carrot Seeds
Acure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm
GreenShield Organic Laundry Detergent
