‘Organic’ – Says who? [Proceed with Caution]

With the green movement gathering more momentum, there has been an explosion of terms and catchphrases being bantered about. ‘Organic’ is probably the most common one, and the term most often misused.

Consumers are in a state of ‘organic confusion’ – symptoms of an overused, often abused, and unsubstantiated use of the term. Its use is prevalent in the food and beverage category and recently, crossing over into textiles and housewares.

The food section in many stores is a minefield of ‘organic’ claims. The word ‘organic’ shows up in more aisles than ever before. The number of products now touting ‘organic’ would surprise most of us.

Yet, it is a positive trend that promotes healthy food, benefits both small and larger farmers, and supports responsible practices.

More good news. Perhaps surprisingly, these claims do not go unchecked. The USDA provides oversight for all organic certification. While there are several different organic certification labels, growers and manufacturers of organic products that claim ‘organic’ must also display an organic ’seal of certification.’

Food companies and growers must follow a fairly rigid set of standards.

More specifically –

In order to qualify as organic, a product must be grown and processed using organic farming methods that recycle resources and promote biodiversity. Crops must be grown without synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes, petroleum-based fertilizers, or sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

It is well known that the use of pesticides and herbicides in conventional farming practices contaminates groundwater, ruins the soil structure, and promotes erosion.

Now, turning to bamboo. Widely known as a renewable resource, this fast-growing plant provides numerous ecological benefits. In most cases, bamboo is a ‘wild crop’ and it therefore, can be designated ‘organic.’ But, only if the source has been inspected, approved and granted certification, from an approved certification organization.

In the Housewares industry, the notion of promoting ‘organic’ as a benefit to consumers is a relatively new concept. We first brought the idea of organic certification to products in the housewares industry more than three years ago.

In the housewares industry, you have at least three ‘bamboo’ companies claiming the term ‘organic’ but unable to provide any substantiation.

These examples serve as a reminder to us, that consumers need to interrogate and challenge manufacturers’ claims. Do not take the words of a manufacturer or a hired PR firm as truth. Seek proof. Require verification.

FACT – If a company uses the word ‘organic’ to describe their process or ingredient, they must show evidence. Otherwise it is nothing more than false, unsubstantiated marketing speak.

At bambu, we have gone to exhaustive lengths to have our sources of bamboo certified. We are the first and only company to have our sources CERTIFIED ORGANIC. (note: only some of our sources have been granted organic certification. And only for those products do we display the certifying label.)

1. All Occasion Veneerware®
2. Natural Utensils
3. bambu KIDS

We spearheaded this initiative three years ago because we wanted to give consumers absolute assurance about the origin of our products. To convey that our products are safe for people and safe for the environment. And they needn’t take our word for it.

People are suspect of goods coming from China. As well they should be. Frankly, there are too many abuses here. Third party certification builds credibility and gives consumers important and impartial evidence that they need to make informed buying decisions.

In the most recent 2009 U.S. LOHAS Consumer Trends Database® study, half of U.S. consumers look for proof regarding a company’s green claims.

If you are interested, there is a good report on Greenwashing, we recommend. The Six Seven Sins of Greenwashing.

On a similar note, the textile industry is going through a similar situation of questionable claims and marketing hype. Here are a couple of links to some very good articles below, if you are interested.

The Facts about Fiber, Bamboo Fiber and Organic Fiber

Bamboo Fabrics Are Not as Green as They Say They Are. Link Here.

Fact Behind the Fiber. One of the best and most extensive posts on fiber processing. Link Here. from Organic Clothing – Facts Behind the Fiber.

Another article on ‘organic bamboo’ is here. First Clean Coal, Now Organic Bamboo

Greater accountability and more transparency are needed from companies. More thorough investigation is needed from consumers.