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)
Organic flowers and potted plants for Mom
April 10, 2009, 12:56 p.m. by Plenty Magazine
Make your mother and your Earth mother smile with an eco-friendly bouquet.
Refresh the boudoir with organic cotton
April 4, 2009, 2:30 p.m. by Plenty Magazine
Having invested in a product that’s healthier for people and the planet, you’ll bask in the sweet sleep of the virtuous.
Rain Organics vodka
March 16, 2009, 2:24 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
Here's a vodka that treads lightly on the earth and deliciously on the palate.
Gone to the dogs
February 26, 2009, 7:07 a.m. by Matt Hickman
Obama chooses Portuguese water dog for the White House. Finally. Now, let's go turn the presidential pooch green.
Boxed wine: It's greener, but how's the taste?
February 23, 2009, 11:42 a.m. by S.A. Rogers
Eco-friendly wineries and wine drinkers are starting to think inside the box.
Hitting the green sheets
February 8, 2009, 6:10 p.m. by Matt Hickman
Looking to avoid a date with pesticides this Valentine's Day? Outfit your boudoir with bedding made from eco-friendly fabrics.
Sassy aprons for eco-friendly cooks
January 30, 2009, 12:11 a.m. by Robin Shreeves
Create your eco-friendly, organic culinary masterpiece wearing one of these sassy aprons.
Assignment Earth: Greener vineyards
January 22, 2009, 4:24 p.m.
Organic practices in California's Napa Valley used to be unusual. Now they're the norm.
In the Field: Trip to a local farmer's market
January 19, 2009, 8:55 a.m. by Nick Scott
Video: Join Farmer D as he checks out the farmer's market in Savannah, GA.
The Morning Briefing: 12/31
December 31, 2008, 8:59 a.m. by Russell McLendon
TN P.O.'d at TVA, another skinny beach wastes away in Malibu, Mexico's chicleros chew wisely, jet-setting with jatropha oil, taking a fine-tooth honeycomb to organic labels, and the top clean-tech stocks for '09.
Ten tips for a green New Year's Eve
December 23, 2008, 11:35 a.m. by Tracy Alverson Euler
MNN offers ideas for throwing down without throwing out
Wines of the Month
December 19, 2008, 2:49 p.m. by Michael Venezia
MNN's Michael Venezia selects three California wines from Iron Horse Vineyards.
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Plant selection and design in addition to proper watering can help reduce stress on plants.
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9 ideas for creating shade
When the sun gets overbearing — and it will — you have options.
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