How to Tell if a Product has Been Certified Organic

Organic products are everywhere nowadays. From the beer you drink and the makeup you wear to the houses you live in, just about any type of product or commodity can achieve organic certification as long as it adheres to the strict governmental standards set forth. These standards typically involve remaining chemical free and environmentally friendly. Though the benefits of organic living are still debated, you may feel that their benefits can be reaped in the knowledge that you're doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine foods such as fruits and vegetables for a small label or sticker that says "USDA Organic." Some supermarkets also organize their produce sections according to foods that are and are not certified organic. Identify this section in your supermarket to locate organic produce.

• 2

  Look for a label that says "Organic" on it in the meat/deli and dairy aisles of your supermarket. This label usually appears on the front of packaged meats, such as chicken, beef, pork and fish, and on dairy products that are composed of only one ingredient, like milk, eggs, butter and cheese.

• 3

  Look for the "100% Organic" label on foods that are composed of multiple ingredients that still meet the requirements of organic certification. Products that are composed of 70 percent and 94 percent organic ingredients display a label that reads "Made with Organic Ingredients." This can apply to products like pasta, trail mix or cereal.

• 4

  Shop at the local farmer's market or a "natural foods" store such as Whole Foods or Trader Joe's, which often have entire sections of their stores dedicated to organic products.

• 5

  Identify whether the cotton from your clothes or linens is organic by determining whether there is a "100% Certified Organic Cotton" label on them. For clothing, there may also be a label that says "Certified Organic Clothing."

• 6

  Identify whether your skin care or hair care products are organic by looking for a "100% Certified Organic Ingredients" label on the packaging.