Learning Center
The Dirty Dozen List 2012
Pesticides are chemicals used to control agricultural pests that damage crops and livestock. More than one billion tons of pesticides are used on crops in the United States every year, however less than one percent actually reaches the targeted organism. The remainder contaminates our air, soil, and water in addition to other plants and animals.The most commonly used pesticides include: in...
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Money-Saving Tips for Natural and Organic Living
During these tough economic times, many of us are seeking ways to reduce our expenses. Our Naturally Savvy contributors have provided money-saving tips for healthy living without breaking the bank.Money-Saving Food Tips: Sign up for the mailing list of your local supermarket, Whole Foods, and natural products store. Sales and E-coupons will be sent to you regularly. Chec...
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Glossary
The NaturallySavvy Glossary is available to define terms and provide expansion and clarity on a variety of related subjects. Acupuncture Antioxidants Composting Conventional foods Cleansing DEA ...
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Natural Cents: Natural & Organic Money Saving Tips
Organic and natural products receive a bad rap because certain items are more costly than their conventional counterparts. However, it is important to note that in some cases, prices for natural and organic products are the same or even lower than their non-natural/organic alternatives. In general, as demand grows for these type products, costs will continue to decrease and level off. Skeptics fe...
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Natural Health Consumer Shows
As we learned on the Research and Resource page, there are many ways to learn more about the many natural product options available to us today. Another easy way is to attend your local or regional Health & Wellness consumer show, expo or festival. Such events facilitate the gathering of natural health companies, practitioners and health food stores under one roof. These shows are great for ...
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Research & Resources for Natural & Organic
Visit your local natural products store and inform them of your quest. Most health food stores employ educated, knowledgeable staff members who are happy to assist in your research. While shopping, look for product information pamphlets strategically placed adjacent to the shelves and don’t forget to check out the stores’ bulletin board for weekly educational seminars. Most natural product stores ...
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HOW To Begin Buying Natural & Organic Products
Here are some quick and easy tips on how to begin integrating natural and organic products into your life. Remember - we believe in taking “baby steps” when deciding to make any big changes. Even if you change one thing - just one - then you are already making a big difference in your life and your family’s life. Begin by choosing one or two items that you consume a large quantity of on a regul...
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WHERE Can You Find Natural and Organic Products
Most natural products can be bought at health food stores across the country. Natural product retailers range from small independent stores, to larger chains such as Whole Foods Market (as well as the former Wild Oats) and Trader Joe's. According to a 2005 Market Overview by the Natural Foods Merchandiser, there are approximately 35,000 natural health food and specialty stores across the U...
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Understanding Natural & Oganic Label Claims
There is a great deal of confusion regarding “organic” and “natural” label claims. In order to be clear, food labels are given guidelines for what words and phrases actually mean. These regulations are designed to ensure that you have enough information to make informed choices about what you eat. OrganicThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) now has national standards for the use of ...
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WHO Regulates the Industry
Products that are labeled “Organic” are grown and processed according to strict federal government standards set in place by USDA and must be certified by a third party agency. In order to ensure compliance, a government-approved certifier conducts regular inspections on organic handling and processing facilities as well as farms, traders and distributors. There are currently ninety-six USDA-accre...
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Is Organic Better for the Environment
The Organic Trade Association states that there is substantial evidence organic farming benefits the soil and therefore our environment. Healthy, non-polluted soil grows healthy crops and minimizes contamination to our drinking water supplies.
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Are Natural & Organic Products Safer?
You have probably heard that pesticide use in the U.S.A. is highly regulated and organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) manage their use (the EPA has been working on reducing pesticide levels since as far back as 1996). However, despite their strict guidelines, pesticide residues ar...
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Do Natural & Organic Products Taste Better?
Of course when it comes to taste, everybody has their own individual interpretation of what “better” is. However, a recent Washington State University study reported organic apples to be tastier and sweeter than conventionally grown apples.
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Are Natural & Organic Products More Nutritious
Research shows that organic food is more nutritious than its non-organic counterparts. A 2001 study conducted by Britain's Soil Association concluded that organic foods contained higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals than non-organic foods. A 2003 report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that organic fruits and vegetables contained significantly higher levels...
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WHY Buy Natural and Organic Products
There is growing evidence that eating and using natural and organic products may be better for your overall health, wellness and even taste-buds! Nutrition: Many people believe organic food contains higher levels of vitamins and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium as well as antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Studies are currently being conducted to help confirm...
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Understanding Natural & Organic Food
Organic products differ from natural in that “organic” refers to farming methods used to grow and process our food and fiber supply without the use of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, additives, growth-hormones or irradiation. Organic food is minimally processed so fewer nutrients are lost and thus maintains its wholesome value. In addition, organic food is not genetically altered – a proces...
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