Organic products are items produced via certain sustainable processes, as dictated by a government agency or other certifying authority. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which runs the U.S. National Organic Program, certified organic products "integrate cultural, biological and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity."
The qualifications for USDA organic certification were established in the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. Only products with a green or black-and-white "USDA Organic" sticker are certified organic in the United States.
USDA organic products must be grown or produced without pesticides, synthetic fetilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. For U.S. animal products to be certified organic, the animals must be raised without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. American farmers and manufacturers must employ certain sustainable practices, and their farms and factories must be inspected and audited by certified government officials. (Source: NOP; photo: Flickr)
Introducing healthy potato chips
December 26, 2013, 2:58 p.m. by Kimi Harris
The biggest problem with potato chips is the oil they are fried in, but this company uses quality coconut oil!
An organic candy cane with no red dye or corn syrup
December 5, 2013, 12:42 a.m. by Kimi Harris
Do you or your kids like candy canes, but do you dislike the dye and corn syrup they contain? Look no further.
5 reasons you should switch to beeswax candles
December 2, 2013, 7:38 p.m. by Kimi Harris
Did you know you could be polluting the air in your house by burning candles? Learn more here.
Grocery survey results show interest in organics still growing
August 16, 2013, 8:28 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
Check out the numbers on the importance of organic food, how mobile usage affects purchasing, food labels and more — all explained in this infographic about grocery shopping.
Atlanta gets a fresh idea: Home-delivered organic produce
July 19, 2013, 2:42 p.m. by John Platt
ColdLife grows its own food, keeps it cold, and delivers it to your door.
Are Teavana and Celestial Seasonings teas safe to consume?
April 18, 2013, 4:53 p.m. by Kimi Harris
Shocking lab results have convinced me to buy my tea elsewhere.
Environmental Working Group's updated cleaning guide
April 2, 2013, 4:08 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
EWG grades the products many of us use to clean our kitchens and houses. How do your 'green' cleaning products rate?
Spa day: Hiber-Nation '13
February 25, 2013, 8 a.m. by Matt Hickman
With springtime finally in sight, it's time to start thinking about dusting away the cosmetic cobwebs of winter with the help of at-home spa goodies ... vegan bubble bath and organic body scrub included.
Hoodies: Hiber-Nation '13
February 18, 2013, 12:25 p.m. by Matt Hickman
Feeling a lil' chilly this President's Day? Crank down the thermostat and break out that hooded sweatshirt — a versatile wardrobe staple that can help you save a few bucks on wintertime heating bills.
Hitting the green sheets: '13 edition
February 12, 2013, 6:09 p.m. by Matt Hickman
Want to avoid getting intimate with pesticides this Valentine's Day? If it's time for new bedding, try outfitting your love den with stylish sheet sets made from organic cotton.
Whole Foods' John Mackey on Obamacare, fascism and capitalism's moral code
January 18, 2013, 11:35 a.m. by Melissa Breyer
The granola guru has a new book out and is once again making waves with his outspoken views.
Bluecoat Gin: Organic botanicals make one great gin
September 25, 2012, 11:56 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
This American dry gin distilled in Philadelphia is the main ingredient in our food blogger's Saturday evening cocktail.
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Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners will take your breath away
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Parallel worlds exist and interact with our world, say physicists
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A former NASA scientist is convinced we already found life on Mars
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This creature eats, learns and heals itself — all without a brain
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Every solar system model you've seen is wrong
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5 alternatives to talc powder
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Why you should mulch leaves, not rake them
Don't just stuff everything into a bag and leave it on the curb. Make use of that fall yard waste.
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When will fall leaves be at their peak near me?
Now you know the best time to be a 'leaf peeper' in any part of the U.S.
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7 amazing soups for soup weather
The chill in the air means soup should be in your bowl.
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5 ways to beat fall allergies
They always seem to pack a wallop. Here's how you can find relief.
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Why does autumn have two names?
Autumn is the only season with two names. How did this happen, and which name should you use?
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5 classic fall recipes
Roasted veggies and soups of all kinds are what we're talking about.
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Thanks to seed savers, Glass Gem corn exists
This stunning, multi-colored corn is real and edible, and its seeds are now in high demand.
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10 best places outside the U.S. for fall color
These places around the world that equal U.S. locales when it comes to colorful scenery.
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