Did you know?

• In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers.
• 2 billion dollars’ worth of chemicals are sprayed on the world’s (non-organic) cotton crop every year, almost half of which are considered toxic enough to be classified as hazardous by the World Health Organization.
• A 22-year study conducted by the Rodale Institute determined that organic farming operations use 30% less energy than conventional farms.

The Organic Label

“100% Organic” means the product is made with 100% organic ingredients.

“Certified Organic” means the product is made with 95-100% organic ingredients.

“Made with Organic Ingredients” means the product has between 70-94% organic ingredients, but is not certified.

Organic ingredients can also be listed individually on the product packaging, such as “made with organic flour.”

Eco-friendly and biodegradable products are a positive alternative as well. Though not organic, these products are often less toxic than their commercial counterparts. Green products promote a healthy environment and are often associated with protecting workers' rights to safe working conditions and a living wage.

Take Action!

Quick and Easy

·     Buy organic food when possible.Visit http://www.organicdirect.com/and www.organicandntauralexpereince.com.  For a list of local farmers markets, that often offer organic produce, visit www.cenyc.org  Eat Eco

·     Choose clothing made from organic wool, organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials. USDA Federal organic livestock standards prohibit chemical inputs at every stage of production of organic wool www.ejfoundation.org. Organic cotton is grown in ways that have less impact on the environment www.thegreenguide.com. Hemp can be grown without pesticides and is nature’s longest, strongest, most durable fiber www.hemp.com. Fleece is one fabric that can be made from recycled materials. www.patagonia.com, http://www.simpleshoes.com

·     Purchase organic drinks. Buy organic, sustainable coffee and tea. For a list of coffee shops  in NYC visit www.ecovian.com/s/newyork/coffee-tea. Organic wine and beer is now offered at most stores and restaurants www.organicwinepress.com.

·     Use eco-friendly cleaning supplies.Visit http://www.seventhgeneration.com, http://methodhome.com/peopleagainstdirty, and http://www.greenworkscleaners.com

·     Purchase organic or eco-friendly cosmetics. These are not only good for the earth but are also better for your skin. Visit http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com, http://drhauschka.com, http://www.arbonne.com/international.asp, www.lush.comor www.aveda.com

Extra Effort

·        Practice non-toxic shopping. Pangea is a good source for animal-friendly, non-toxic products http://www.veganstore.com/.

·        Eat at organic restaurants. For a list of organic restaurants in NYC, visit http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=organic+restaurants&find_loc=New+York,+NY

·     Support your local green retailers. Visit Be the E: Best of Green Business to vote for your favorite.

Big Changes

·        Grow your own organic food. http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2008/04/how-to-be-an-organic-gardener/

·        Become an organic activist. Request organic options at your local supermarket and share the idea and benefits with your family and friends. ***Link to Get Involved.

Look! (videos)

Grocery Store Wars (maybe?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E

For more information:

Organic Consumer Association:

www.organicconsumers.org

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets:

http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/Organic/

For Eco-friendly Options:

www.sustainabletable.com

www.greenchoices.org

www.coopamerica.org/pub/greenpages

www.ecomall.com/biz/clothing

www.nlcnet.org

www.cleanclothes.org

www.labourbehindthelabel.org