Nerdy Millennial

Top Menu

  • About
  • Contact
  • Write For Us

Main Menu

  • Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Blogging
      • Social Media
      • SEO and Keyword Research
  • College
  • Arts & Culture
  • Technology
  • Health and Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
      • Baked Goods
      • Breakfast
      • Condiments
      • Dessert
      • Fermented Foods
      • Main Dishes
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soup
    • Keto
    • Vegan
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Friendship
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy & Birth
  • About
  • Contact
  • Write For Us

Nerdy Millennial

Nerdy Millennial

  • Career
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Blogging
      • Social Media
      • SEO and Keyword Research
  • College
  • Arts & Culture
  • Technology
  • Health and Fitness
    • Nutrition
    • Recipes
      • Baked Goods
      • Breakfast
      • Condiments
      • Dessert
      • Fermented Foods
      • Main Dishes
      • Side Dishes
      • Snacks
      • Soup
    • Keto
    • Vegan
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Friendship
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy & Birth
At HomeGardeningGreen Living
Home›At Home›Organic: What Does It Mean?

Organic: What Does It Mean?

By Mike Lieberman
November 12, 2011
784
1

“Organic” it seems to be one of the latest buzzwords out there. There is much debate on whether it is healthier, better for the environment and actually makes a difference.

Let’s put all of that aside and talk about what the word means because I think there is some confusion on that.

When you say “organic” the first thing that people think of are snobs that are buy over priced food because of a sticker. What does the “organic” really mean though?

Organic gardening, organic food, organic cleaning products. What does all of it mean? When something is certified organic, it means that it went through the USDA’s certification process. What is that process? Here is how the USDA defines it. Good luck attempting to decipher whatever that means.

For most of us, it takes on a different meaning. There is not a one-size fits all definition of “organic.”

For this post, I am going to share what gardening and living organically means to me.

Having an exact definition of such a word is difficult. There are so many things that factor into it that we just can’t control.

The first example that springs to my mind is our surrounding environment. We don’t have an option whether we want to breathe or not if we want to survive. I live in Los Angeles, one of the most polluted cities in the world. Does that make me or what I’m doing any less organic?

Another thing that most of us have limited control over is our water. We get it from the tap. We can buy filter systems to clean out some of the excess though.

We can control some aspects, but not others. If we tried to control everything, we’d drive ourselves crazy.

Having complete control over every aspect is impossibly. That’s why for me, it’s about doing the best that you can do given the circumstance that you are facing. That’s what organic living means to me.

When people ask me if I’m gardening organically I tell them, “yes.” There are some people that say because I’m using plastic containers and soda bottles that it’s not safe and not organic.

Yes, I am using plastic containers, but they are from the containers with the number 5 on the bottom which supposedly don’t leach BPAs. The water I use is filtered, but I put it into a plastic container to pour.

Since, I’m growing in containers, I have opted to buy organic soil. What about the people that grow the traditional way in the ground?

Is their soil organic even if they don’t use sprays and pesticides? I’d bet that chemicals and toxins exist in their soil from the water and environment.

This might all sound disempowering and sad, it shouldn’t be though. We all have the power to control certain things. We can opt not to use toxic fertilizers and sprays. Worry about what you can control and do your best with those.

This is how I define organic gardening and living. It’s anything that I am actually doing and have control over. I can’t control the air around me (yet).

What does organic mean to you?

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Mike Lieberman
Mike Lieberman
Through his site Urban Organic Gardener and social media, Mike Lieberman inspires and empowers people to start growing their own food and reconnect with their food source. Lieberman believes that growing just one herb or vegetable will make a difference. It will help to cut back the intensive resources that go into the production and transport of food to our plates. It will also help us to re-establish our connection with food that we've lost over the past few years. We are humans. We grow food. Connect with Mike at UrbanOrganicGardener.com, Twitter or Facebook.
Mike Lieberman
Latest posts by Mike Lieberman (see all)
  • Organic: What Does It Mean? - November 12, 2011

1 comment

  1. Pam Wood Kimsey12 November, 2011 at 15:12 Reply

    I agree Mike! We do have the power to take control over what we do and how we live. Thanks 😉

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Recipe Rating




Send Me Blog Updates!

You Might Also Like...

  • Why Music is Good for Your Soul
    Arts & CultureFeatured

    Why Music is Good for Your Soul

  • How to Make Popcorn Without Oil + 6 Vegan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes
    NutritionFeaturedSnacksVegan

    How to Make Popcorn Without Oil + 6 Vegan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes

  • Dollar Store Fidgets and Sensory Toy Ideas for Kids with Autism
    Autism and Special NeedsEducationFeatured

    Dollar Store Fidgets and Sensory Toy Ideas for Kids with Autism

  • FeaturedSEO and Keyword Research

    How Often Should You Blog? (The Answer Will Surprise You)

About Nerdy Millennial

Hello, I'm Vanessa

Creator and curator of Nerdy Millennial.

This blog all about millennials sharing their passion, ideas, and expertise about blogging, healthy living, self-improvement, education, parenting, and more!

Interested in contributing? Contact us to pitch your idea or submit an article.

Featured

FeaturedHealth and FitnessNutrition

Heart attack rates rise each winter: Nutritionist recommends these simple food changes to help reduce ...

Experts aren’t sure why people are more likely to have a heart attack during the winter than any other time of year. If you are inspired to take charge of ...
  • The 7 Money-Saving Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know

    The 7 Money-Saving Strategies Every Parent Needs to Know

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 23, 2020
  • Becoming an Online Counselor: The Pros and Credentials Needed

    Becoming an Online Counselor: The Pros and Credentials Needed

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • 4 Steps to Finding the Best Counselor for You

    4 Steps to Finding the Best Counselor for You

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • Pros and Cons of Online Counseling

    The Pros and Cons of Online Counseling

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    August 13, 2020
  • What is the Difference between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate CBD

    By Contributing Author
    August 11, 2020
  • How Lack of Boundaries and Dishonored Feelings Affect Your Mental and Physical Health

    How Lack of Boundaries and Dishonored Feelings Affect Your Mental and Physical Health

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 24, 2020
  • The Importance of Practicing Gratefulness During Times of Uncertainty

    The Importance of Practicing Gratefulness During Times of Uncertainty

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 16, 2020
  • 6 Ways to Naturally Freshen Your Home

    6 Ways to Naturally Freshen Your Home

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 14, 2020
  • Ways to Filter Your Facebook Feed and Posts

    Ways to Filter Your Facebook Feed and Posts

    By Vanessa Pruitt
    July 13, 2020

    Join Us on Facebook

    Latest Comments

    • Turn Your Love of Fitness Into a Career
      on
      November 26, 2020
      […] you might want to consider getting into some sport professionally, or even just on a ...

      9 Ways to Turn Your Fitness Into A Career

    • https://apnews.com/article/7799dc8a7083f61bb1c9f1f3dba8c30a
      on
      November 25, 2020
      Trackback [...]https://apnews.com/article/7799dc8a7083f61bb1c9f1f3dba8c30a

      Are Pre and Post Workout Supplements Worth It? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

    • Dr. Oz Answers
      on
      July 23, 2020
      Trackback [...]Dr. Oz Answers

      Are Pre and Post Workout Supplements Worth It? 3 Questions to Ask Yourself

    • Some Careers That Challenge You Each Day - CareerAlley
      on
      June 9, 2020
      […] development might not be about saving lives but it’s certainly a career that challenges you ...

      How To Build On Your Career

    • 4 Surprising Benefits of Using Instagram for Your Business - Atelier Magazine
      on
      June 3, 2020
      […] More brands are combining Instagram approaches into their marketing strategies, and it leads to business ...

      A Guide to Creating Your Instagram Strategy

    Flickr

      • Home
      • About
      • Contact Us
      • Write For Us
      • Comment Policy
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
      We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
      Cookie settingsACCEPT
      Manage consent

      Privacy Overview

      This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
      Necessary
      Always Enabled

      Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

      Non-necessary

      Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

      SAVE & ACCEPT