Jami's Organic Confusion

I'm going to start out by saying that I'm not into the organic movement. I have to say I am just not convinced. Don't get me wrong, Organic Folks, I'm not saying that you're wrong. I'm just not thoroughly convinced that you're right. Also, this isn't going to be the forum to debate that. I've heard your arguments, I just want to wait and see. First off, the idea that just because something is 'organic' or all-natural that it must be better than not organic doesn't ring true to me. The following is a list of things that are totally all natural and organic and from the earth that I strongly suggest you don't eat:

• poison ivy
• elephant dung
• fugu (fish that if prepared incorrectly can kill you)
• live bees
• whale puke
• opium

These things are not organic, but still all natural, and also not good:

• arsenic
• plutonium
• cyanide

So, we can see that plenty of things that are natural are not healthy. In fact, I'd be willing to make the argument that something totally non-organic, say, my beloved Diet Coke is better for you than the things on this list, possibly excepting the bees, which may be painful, but also might be nutritious; I couldn't find info on that.

Secondly, organic is a pretty loose term. In dictionary terms, organic means basically, something that comes from living things. It is my understanding, from watching the news recently, that the term "organic" on foods and especially on other things (shampoos, household cleaners, etc.) are not closely monitored, so it's sort of a crap shoot if the organic whatever is actually organic. Case in point, I've been looking at the snacks in the organic aisle and I'm disturbed by the organic microwave popcorn, all of which have "artificial butter flavor". How can it be organic with artificial butter flavor? Is there an Artificial Butter Flavor plant I don't know about?

Third, I like my produce to look appetizing and I don't like paying for bad spots. I'm poor and I can't afford to pay more for food I can eat less of.

Fourth, on the all natural front, everything comes from the earth. No matter how processed it's been, and that you can argue (but we won't), there is nothing I'm aware of that is currently being made from materials foreign to our world. Whatever it is, it started as something natural.

Last, this isn't an argument, but it really made me wonder. There are currently "Certified Organic" cotton balls. Unless I misunderstand the proper use of cotton balls, you don't eat them or have them in contact with your skin for a long period of time. I'm not sure why I would care if my cotton balls have inorganic materials in them. Basically, I grab one, wipe something and then pitch them. Maybe I'm being shortsighted, but I don't need to pay more to be sure they are totally organic.

So, there you go. I buy organics when it's cost-effective and tasty. I buy totally non-organic cleaners because I hate germs. I buy whatever shampoo/conditioner, deodorant and cosmetics are least expensive. Yes, I know you can tell, ha ha. And that's all I have to say about that.