I was reading my April edition of Cooking Light and came across this “Organic Labeling Terms” page that I thought might interest you ladies. Here are the precise USDA rules determining how organic foods can be labeled:
“100% Organic” – these foods are organic “down to the very last crumb” so to speak. They carry the USDA green and white “certified organic” seal. These foods typically are whole foods (apples, oranges, grains) or have only one or two ingredients (pasta).
“Organic” – these foods must contain at least 95% organic ingredients. They also carry the USDA seal and typically are made up of whole-food ingredients.
“Made With Organic Ingredients” – at least 70% of the ingredients are organic. However, these foods do NOT carry the USDA seal and can be any type of processed or packaged food.
Also. . .I have been on a beauty kick lately, and came across this wallet card from Burt’s Bees with a breakdown of synthetic ingredients that we should try to avoid in our beauty products. Stay away from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Sodium Myreth Sulfate in your cleansers. Avoid Propylen Glycol, Butylene Glycol adn Polyisobutene in your moisturizers. Look for sunscreens that block out the harmful rays without the use of Oxybenzone, Avobenzone and Octinoxate. Gosh, I don’t even know how to pronounce some of those. Yuck! And finally, in general, stay away from the following petrochemicals and preservatives: Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Parafin, all Parabens, and DMDM Hydantoin.
liz @ April 21, 2009 10:04 pm
Have you read the book “Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products” by Mark Schapiro? It focuses on the plastics and plasticizers (sp?) but also mentions some of the other products. I’ve quit using some products already but have had trouble finding substitutes for others. I’m not quite ready to brush my teeth with baking soda and the “greener” options at Whole Foods still have some of the not-so-good-for-us ingredients. We have tried the crystal deoderants and LOVE them – I wish we’d tried them earlier!
Going Green Mom @ April 22, 2009 2:02 pm
I have not read that, but you can be sure I’ll be checking it out!! Thanks so much for the recommendation.
Don’t worry. . .I am not the baking soda “toothpaste” yet either. I do use an earth-friendly deodorant too though! The deodorant is an easier switch than something you have to put in your mouth at least twice a day.
I have done tons of products and “treatments” that I will no longer do/use now since I have read about the ingredients. It is just about educating yourself and taking the steps that you feel you can take. Sounds like you are doing just that.
Happy Earth Day!!!