Nowadays, people are more conscious about the products they use and the food they eat. The word ‘organic’ or natural seems to be plastered in labels of products found in stores. During ancient times, people survived only on the things that nature provided them. Everything they use and eat came naturally from the Earth. With the advancement of technology, people have become too comfortable with things that are easy and instant. Soon, natural products were replaced with synthetic products filled with toxic materials that are hazardous to the health. Still, people patronize them because of the instant effects without realizing that these products may pose serious health risk with long-term use. The return of natural products shattered people’s belief that products they usually buy on the shelves are better than natural ones. Most products found on the shelves are filled with toxic materials that may pose serious health risk such as cancer. Meanwhile, natural products have enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that are easily recognized by the human body. They came from plants and other natural sources that share the same components as the human body. Aside from being healthier options, natural goods are way cheaper than their synthetic counterparts.
People have also become more conscious about the impact they have on nature. Natural goods are earth-friendly and support safe farming. Chemical-filled products are not only harmful to the human body but also to nature. Toxic chemicals used in farming like pesticides are easily absorbed by the soil, and into the water and air.
Consumers slowly turned to natural and organic and manufacturers are quick to notice this change in consumer behavior. More and more manufacturers are producing natural goods. But how do we know the real thing from the fake? Some manufacturers are just taking advantage of the word natural in their product labels. It is not enough to just believe that what you are eating or using are natural. Here are easy tips and ways to know whether what you are buying are true organic products or not:
1. Always check the label and ingredients.
Sure, you pick up a bottle of moisturizer that says organic and natural. But is it really organic? As mentioned above, it is not enough to believe a product’s claim that it is natural. It pays to check the label and the ingredients listed on the product. Checking the label is the most effective way of knowing whether the product you are about to purchase is natural or not. Most natural goods are made with no parabens, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, or silicone. Ingredients used are mostly derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables and are 100% biodegradable. You will also notice that natural beauty products have shorter shelf life and you may also notice changes in appearance and smell. Organic beauty products are also cruelty-free and are against animal testing.
2. Stop, look and feel.
Not all fruits and vegetables are grown organically. Some are genetically modified while others are grown using toxic insecticides. How do you know which ones are which? Check the appearance of the fruit or vegetable. If the fruit or vegetables are identical in sizes, shape, and have the same leaves, chances are they are genetically modified. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are also smaller in sizes so while you may be impressed with huge tomatoes, they were probably genetically modified.
Checking the stickers or labels will also help you in determining if a fruits or vegetable is organic. Those codes you see on them are not just for scanning at the counter but it tells you if your product is organic or not. Price Look Up or PLU code can tell you if your fruit and vegetable was grown naturally. Codes may differ in different regions but usually, if there are only four numbers, it means that it was grown with the use of pesticides. If the code has five numbers and starts with an eight, it means that the product is genetically modified. If the code has five numbers and starts with a nine, then you are purchasing a fresh produce that was organically grown.
3. Worms are your new best friend.
Generally speaking, most people are ticked off by the idea of fruits and vegetables with worms or have worm bites in it. Contrary to popular belief, vegetable or fruits with worm bites are safer that the perfect ones. Because a perfect vegetable can mean only one thing: pesticide.
4. Research, research, research.
You have the power of the internet in your hands. Use it to find sources of organically grown products and take the time to visit farms. Once you know if a farm is growing their good organically, purchase straight from the farm or find out where they supply their produce