Sustainability Defined
Sustainability is all about meeting our current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. In other words, it’s the world we leave our children and grandchildren.
Sustainability practices include:
Many alternative farming systems are being implemented to promote more sustainable options, such as
Organic Defined
While you are on the hunt for hormone-free, antibiotic-free and pesticide-free food, it can be helpful for you to know how the USDA defines a 100% Organic food – food that is produced without using synthetic pesticides, petroleum or sewage sludge-based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products must come from animals fed 100% organic feed and given no antibiotics or growth hormones. With that in mind, 100% organic does imply a food is free of antibiotics, hormones and pesticides, but it does not imply that an animal has been grass-fed. Labels may make singular claims such as a milk carton saying “rBGH free.” It’s important to note that nutritional quality and benefits for both organic and conventional foods, such as produce, are similar. Determine what works best for your lifestyle, health goals and budget. Other ways to be a sustainable shopper include buying seasonal produce, shopping local at farm markets or joining a CSA. While “sustainable” and “organic” can often be used interchangeably, they are not in fact the same. Not all organic farmers follow sustainable agriculture practices, and not all sustainable farms are certified organic. Likewise, “natural” only refers to no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives used in food production.
RESOURCES
To learn more about sustainable, organic, and safety practices, visit the following resources.
SUSTAINABILITY
SEAFOOD
LIVESTOCK
PRODUCE