With Al Gore's documentary" An Inconvenient Truth" and "Live Earth" kicking off this previous weekend and global residents becoming more cautious and aware of the environment, global warming / global dimming, many of use are asking ourselves, "what can I be doing and what can I do to make a difference?"

In order for all of us to do our parts, it is important that we understand the rules of the game. What makes it organic and the guidelines to qualify it as organic? What do I need to know, to ensure that I am doing my share? Below is a beginning point of knowledge and guidelines to get us all started "on making a difference".

What Determines it as Organic?

The national organic standards were fully implemented in October 2002. After more than a dozen years in the making, these standards give consumers clear and consistent product labeling, as well as the added assurance of a uniform set of standards backed by the USDA.

Generally speaking, organic food and fiber products must be made without the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Specifically prohibited from organic products are generically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of sewage sludge; all three practices are permissible in conventional agriculture.

Organic agriculture however must be viewed as a holistic approach with agriculture production considered from the perspective of its complex interactions with its broader ecological and human context. It is based on four basic principles:

Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care.

Understanding the Labels:

Under the USDA regulations, certified organic products will be labeled in one of several ways:

100% Organic:

These products have been made using ingredients, processing and handling methods and materials that are in full compliance with the USDA standards of organic agriculture. They will have a label reading 100% organic and the USDA organic seal may appear on the primary display panel.

Organic:

These products contain 95% organic ingredients, excluding water and salt. They are eligible for the organic label provided the remaining 5 % of the products ingredients are not commercially available in an organic form, and also that the remaining 5% of the ingredients were not produced using specifically prohibited methods ( i.e. irradiation) These products will be labeled "organic" and the USDA seal on the primary display panel.

Made with Organic Ingredients:

Products labeled with "made with organic ingredients" must contain between 70% -95% organic ingredients, excluding water and salt. As many as three of the products organic ingredients may be listed on the front of the package. For instance, a box containing cereal made with organic ingredients might read," Made with organic corn, oats and sugar", on the front panel. The USDA organic seal may not be used on these products.

Products with Less Than 70% Organic Ingredients:

Labels on these products will be allowed to list the organic items in the ingredients panel only, and the term "organic" may not be used anywhere else on the package. The USDA seal may not be used on these products.

The promotion of organic agriculture is an element of eco-efficient in agro-industry means opening up traditional knowledge and introducing innovations, such as energy-efficient use of biomass, new marketing approaches and awareness promotion among different target groups.

Organic agriculture refers to the whole value chain of agricultural products-from the production to processing to marketing. I am convinced that it radiates to the common commercial agri-business and even contributes to other economic sectors as well.

Fairness means that it should be built on relationships that energy fairness with regard to the shared environment and life opportunities, while the principle of care means that it should be managed in a cautious and responsible manner to protect the health and well being of future generations and their environment.

Does organic mean expensive?

Not necessary. A cheap product can mean that somebody else had to pay in one form or another: the farmer and worker because of bad, unsafe working conditions, nature and with it future generations because of the environmental deterioration.

How can you apply eco-efficiency at home?

Eco-efficiency in the home is first of all common sense. For example you can cut your water and electricity bill in half by using water and electricity economically. By closing facets, and control the flows of water when using it and shutting off air con units when out of the room etc. Distribute your garbage into four categories: food products, paper, plastics and tin.

What can you do to save energy?

Drive less, stay on the speed limits, walk more often, plan better, and buy consciously. Change to use low energy light bulbs, reading product reports about air con units, cars and refrigerators etc and purchase the best fuel efficient products on the market. Do you really need your air con on at 8:00 am and after 4:00 pm? Shut off your printers and all electric sources when not in use.

Do you lead an organic lifestyle?

Consider where the product comes from, how it was treated, was it produced under fair living conditions for them and for its employees. Do the employees work in proper working conditions and receive benefits and are respected? Is it environmentally friendly? All this and more qualifies as an organic product.

Your hobbies can to lead to eco-efficiency too.

Hobbies and activities such as, jogging, hiking, biking, swimming, walking, skiing, sailing and all to be experienced with nature and treat the environment with respect and as an asset.

MHC: Mustang heart Consultants for Hotels, Restaurants and Spas-Thailand

www.mustangheart-mhc.com