Compost/CompostingCompost is composed of organic matter that is recycled back
into the earth. Organic matter may include lawn clippings, vegetable scraps from the kitchen,
and untreated papers. These materials are combined and become a nutrient-rich mixture that
enriches the soil.
Essential OilsEssential oils are extracted from plants. Each essential oil is made
up of many components, with a tiny molecular structure which allows them to pass through the skin.
Fair TradeFair trade labeling assures that farmers are paid better-than-conventional prices,
are trained on sustainable agriculture practices, work directly with food cooperatives (co-ops),
and are often organic. Items that bear a fair trade label are include banana, pineapple, coffee,
and chocolate that typically come from developing countries where workers aren't always provided the
best conditions.
Free RangeOf, relating to, or produced by animals, especially poultry, that have access
to outside spaces and are permitted to graze or forage and range freely for food rather than being
confined in an enclosure or feedlot as with free-range chickens. Sometimes referred to as free-roaming.
Conditions for the animals are also typically less crowded.
NaturalNatural means that there are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in that
product. All produce and one ingredient items like eggs are "natural." Because the term "natural" is
not regulated, it is important to not confuse "natural" with "organic."
NontoxicThe American Heritage Dictionary defines "toxic" as "of, relating to, or caused by
a toxin or other poison; capable of causing injury or death, especially by chemical means; poisonous."
Therefore, non-toxic products are free from these dangerous effects.
OrganicOrganic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made
with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Organic meat, poultry,
eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Before a
product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown
to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies
that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified,
too.
Foods labeled "100 percent organic" and "organic" Products labeled as "100 percent organic"
must contain (excluding water and salt) only organically produced ingredients. Products labeled "organic"
must consist of at least 95 percent organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt). Any
remaining product ingredients must consist of nonagricultural substances approved on the National List or
non-organically produced agricultural products that are not commercially available in organic form.
Processed products labeled "made with organic ingredients"Processed products that contain at
least 70 percent organic ingredients can use the phrase "made with organic ingredients" and list up to
three of the organic ingredients or food groups on the principal display panel. For example, soup made
with at least 70 percent organic ingredients and only organic vegetables may be labeled either "soup made
with organic peas, potatoes, and carrots," or "soup made with organic vegetables."
Processed products that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredientsThese products cannot
use the term organic anywhere on the principal display panel. However, they may identify the specific
ingredients that are organically produced on the ingredients statement on the information panel.
PesticideA general term for chemicals used to destroy living things that people consider pests.
More specific terms include the following: "Insecticide," a substance that kills insects; "herbicide,"
a substance that kills plants/weeds; "fungicide," a substance that kills fungi; "fumigant," a substance
that kills all organisms in the soil, a soil sterilizer; and "rodenticide," a substance that kills rodents.
RecyclableA product that can be recycled into another product, instead of becoming waste.
This does NOT mean that the product contains recycled materials. The "chasing arrows" recycle symbol can
be used on items that are recyclable but don't necessarily have recycled content.
RecycledA product that contains material that was used before.
Post-Consumer Recycled ContentMaterial that was used by the consumer for its intended purpose,
then collected for recycling through a recycling program. Post-consumer content would have otherwise ended
up in a landfill (if it were not collected and recycled).
Pre-Consumer Recycled ContentReferring mostly to paper, pre-consumer content is waste that was
generated during the manufacturing process, but was never made into a product used by the consumer.
For paper, an example is scraps and trimmings left over in the paper plant. Rather than be thrown out,
this material is collected and sent back through the manufacturing process.
Shade GrownCoffee that is grown under a canopy of diverse species of trees. Unlike with
sun-grown or monoculture coffee, the shade canopy provides habitat for songbirds, other animals, and plants.
These trees also protect the coffee plants growing beneath them from rain and sun, help maintain soil quality
by returning nitrogen and shedding leaves that will decompose, reduce the need for weeding, and aid in pest
control by fostering or attracting predators such as songbirds.
Shea ButterThis aromatic butter is extracted from the Shea nut and has a creamy color and a
'lumpy' texture. Shea butter is renowned for its protecting and emollient properties and offers some protection
from UV rays.
SustainableCapable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment, as with
sustainable agriculture, which integrates three main goals: environmental stewardship, farm profitability, and
prosperous farming communities. Sustainable development recognizes the need to work with living environments in
a balanced manner.
| 
