Green Treehouse

If you think an advanced degree may be required to decipher the growing number of eco-friendly labels, you’re not alone. Take for instance, organic vs. natural. They mean the same, right? Not quite.

Organic generally refers to production, manufacturing and handling of food or materials using certified “organic” (think stringent, without chemicals) standards. For example, when you’re talking about food or clothing, “organic” refers to how the ingredients are grown. Natural generally refers to how a food or product is processed. For example, a natural label implies that the product is not chemically altered or synthesized. A food that contains organic ingredients is not necessarily natural, and a food that is natural is not necessarily organic.

Why does organic or natural matter? There are many reasons, but a key reason has to do with human and environmental health. Food and clothing made without chemicals, or with less intensive processes, means less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals–it also means preservation of resources (e.g., energy). Reduced exposure to chemicals explains in part the growing push and demand for organic products, like organic baby clothes and bedding. Less exposure to potentially harmful chemicals may just mean better health, for longer.

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