Organic & Natural

We know how important healthy eating is for you and your family. We know you want high quality, healthy, all-natural organic food & organic products that you can feel good about buying for your family. Lindo’s carry hundreds of natural and organic food brands, personal care products, and household products, all conveniently located throughout our stores.

What is organic?
“Organic” refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established an organic certification program that requires organic foods to meet strict agricultural standards. Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. They’re better for you, your family and the planet. See the USDA Fact sheet on the certified organic label and other labeling here.

Natural and organic food tastes the same as the brands you already eat but because these foods are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, growth hormones, artificial flavors or colors they’re a much healthier choice. Additionally, natural and organic foods are typically free from preservatives and manufactured additives. The chart below is a quick guide to the differences between natural and organic products.

Personal Care & Eco-friendly Household Products
Buyer beware: Although the labeling of all personal care products is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the FDA “does not define or regulate the term
‘organic’ as it applies to cosmetics, body care, or personal care products”. That job belongs to USDA through their National Organic Program (NOP). The NOP regulates the term “organic” as it applies to agricultural products and since these organic regulations were designed for food, they cannot be applied to some personal care products like soaps and lotions, which have non-food ingredients and go through different manufacturing processes. There are exceptions however. According to this NOP fact sheet, “If a cosmetic, body care product, or personal care product contains or is made up of agricultural ingredients, and can meet the USDA/NOP organic production, handling, processing and labeling standards, it may be eligible to be certified under the NOP regulations”, and use the USDA Organic seal.  Read more about the NOP’s position on cosmetics, body care products, or personal care products in their handy fact file.

Bottom line? If you’re looking for a personal care product that is totally organic, look for the USDA organic seal. If it doesn’t have the seal, read the ingredient label to find out how many ingredients are truly organic and how many are synthetic. Also, keep in mind there are personal care products that meet non-governmental organic standards – click on each label below to find out more.

USDA Organic seal-Cosmetics, Body Care Products, and Personal Care Products

Organic aside, the most important thing to look for when choosing eco-friendly cleaning products is to ensure they are made from naturally occurring, non-toxic substances. Avoid cleaners containing phosphates, chlorine, and VOCs, all of which are toxic to humans or damaging to the environment.