Organic Rant: When Organic Really Isn’t Organic

One of the many things I learned during my after yoga class pow-wow, was that some of the “organic” body care products I stock in my master bath are not, in fact, organic. Sadly, some of my so-called healthy, “organic” purchases aren’t even certified…so much for trust. Questionable products I checked in my home included organic body soap, shampoo, and body lotion.

When researching my products online, I learned that Whole Foods (see policy here) is doing something to help clean up this mess of misinformation. They announced that beginning June 1, 2011, all organic body care products sold in their stores will have to be certified – a blessing for those of us who need clarification between the fakers and the real deal. Right now, it appears that anyone can claim their personal care products are organic.

In the meantime, I won’t be trusting the term “organic” on my products and will be looking for the actual USDA Certified Organic Seal. I will also be reading up on this situation at the Organic Consumer’s Association website (also see their Coming Clean Campaign for Organic Integrity) and will raise a hairy eyebrow to mere terms on packages such as “eco,” “herbal,” “healthy,” and “organic.”

According to the Organic Consumers Association Coming Clean Campaign, “Whole Foods has told brands that they have until August 1, 2010 to explain how they will change their labeling or formulations to comply with the new standard and they have until June 1, 2011 to be in full compliance with their new policy. Brands that don’t submit an explanation are expected to be dropped from store shelves over the coming year.”

Kudos to Whole Foods for taking a stance! I only hope that the other health food stores I shop at take their lead.

Related Reading:  The Whole Story on Whole Foods’ New Organic Beauty Standards — Planet Green, A Discovery Company

Whole Foods Cracks Down on ‘Organic’ Personal Care Products –Nutrition Business Journal

Protecting the Environment: Making Sure More Than Just Your Cabinets Last — Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, Inc.

Of Course I Didn’t Buy That Organic Shampoo Then Tell The New York Times About It

Posted by GKelly in Design, Green Design, Healthy Home