Consuming with Intention:

Informed Choices for a Better Life

Have you ever stood in the grocery store, stared at dozens of seemingly identical items, and wondered how to make a good choice? Maybe you’ve even compared two items side by side, questioning whether “all natural”, “real ingredients”, “heart healthy”, or “free range” is the better signifier of a good product.

Then, there’s all this talk about brands that are supposedly conducting themselves more ethically than others. But how do you know? What’s the difference between “Fair Trade” and “Equal Exchange”? Is a “Certified B Corp” the same thing as a “Benefit Corporation”? Should any of these claims affect which products you buy?

While we can’t tell you that any of these choices are going to save the world by themselves, we still think that everyday choices make a difference, for you and for the world. Plus, we feel that you should know the truth about what you’re eating.

Unfortunately, as consumer interest in ethical shopping has increased, the market has responded with lots of competing, confusing, and often meaningless certifications — all designed to convince you that a product is healthier, more ethical, or better for the environment. Navigating through this mess is tough, so we’d like to celebrate a couple of easy-to-find certifications that genuinely help you support a healthier world and eat a healthier diet. Let’s get to the bottom of this, together!

Choosing Organic

“One of the best decisions you can make as a consumer is to look for the USDA Organic seal or designation on any food product you purchase,” says Briana Buckles, Sustainability Manager at Choice Organics.

Contrary to claims like “all natural” and “healthy”, which are the subject of fierce legal battles on account of being misleading, “organic” is a legally binding term and organic products are regularly audited to ensure compliance with stringent standards.

Organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and botanicals are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers. Less of these chemicals in your food means less chemicals in your body. Research suggests that organically grown produce also offers superior nutrition in the form of higher levels of antioxidants and minerals.

The benefits of buying organic products extend far beyond the quality and safety of the food you are consuming. Organic farming operations are required to follow production practices that promote ecological balance and conserve biodiversity. Organic farming must maintain or enhance soil and water quality, while also conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife. Making the choice to purchase organic over conventional products has a positive environmental impact and leads to a healthier overall ecosystem.

When you purchase organically farmed products, you also support the health and wellbeing of the people growing your food. The same practices that restore environments also minimize human exposure to toxic and persistent chemicals on the farm. Organic farming reduces public health risks for farm workers, their families and those who live in farming communities, from the soil in which they work and play, to the air they breathe and the water they drink.

Exclusively Organic Since 1989

Next time you’re at the store, trying to decide between two seemingly similar items, look for the USDA Organic seal; it really does mean you’re getting a product that’s better for the planet and for you. At Choice Organics, we’ve been doing it this way since 1989. In fact, we became the first American tea producer to use exclusively organic, non-GMO ingredients, and we continue that commitment today. We hope that our organic certification gives you peace of mind as you navigate the challenges of food shopping today.