SoCo Magazine - May 2008 - (Page 22) OPTIMALLY ORGANIC O rganic food and products are all the rage. Trendy or not, the popularity of organic food is beneficial to the land, our bodies, and local businesses. With the growing demand comes more small shops and farm stands. Chances are there’s a local shop offering organic food and products within a few minutes of your home or work. First, it is important to clarify what “organic” exactly means. Many companies riding the organic train are speciously labeling their food “organic” or “all natural.” To ensure you’re getting a true organic product, look for the seal. In 2002, the USDA began to issue a “certified organic” seal of approval to guarantee at least 95 percent organic ingredients. To the USDA, organic produce means that the food was grown with no synthetic pesticides in the soil or sprayed on top. Genetically modified crops are not allowed. The Organic Consumers Association notes that at least 400 chemical pesticides are routinely added in conventional farming. Organic meat is raised with vegetarian feed, and the animals are not confined to unbearably close quarters or fed growth hormones or routine antibiotics. Local organic food consumption is integral to local prosperity, not only for businesses, but also for the land. Annie Rockwell, owner of the Parlow Mill Farm CSA (community supported agriculture) in Many companies riding the organic train are speciously labeling their food “organic” or “all natural.” To ensure you’re getting a true organic product, look for the seal. In 2002, the USDA began to issue a “certified organic” seal of approval to guarantee at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Marion and organic farmer extraordinaire, says, “Everybody’s concerned with the bay. Going organic is the solution.” Using organic methods eliminates chemical runoff to local water sources. Beyond farming, organic lawn care is crucial to the bay’s cleanliness and reversing current nitrogen problems. “There’s a lot you can’t control,” says Rockwell. “You can control this.” Deliberate choices to go organic eliminate unnatural substances from the environment as well as from your body. As Rockwell puts it, “Do you need a lot of poison in your life?” Earth’s Partner, located at 133 Wareham Road in Marion, offers all things organic—produce, meat, baby clothes, bleach-free diapers, shampoo, vitamins, and cleaning products. Organic seeds and herb plants are perfect for the planting season. The vision of Bob and Louise Bastarache, Earth’s Partner has been in business for about six years. Bob gives credit to his wife, a local midwife, who stocks the store with food and products that are safe for our newest members of society. Choosing organic products promotes a healthy baby and helps make a little one’s world less tainted. Perhaps the most long-standing local carrier of organic food and products is Down to Earth Natural Foods for People and Pets. In business for over 30 years, the store at 751 Kempton Street in New 22 | s o comagazi ne . i nfo | M ay 2 0 0 8 Continued on page 47 http://socomagazine.info
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