By definition, organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and may not be irradiated or come from genetically modified seeds. The USDA defines organic foods as foods that are at least 70 percent organic and can bear the phrase "Made With Organic Ingredients." Animal products certified as "organic" must come from livestock that has had access to the outdoors, has not been treated with hormones or antibiotics, and has been reared on organic feed.

Sustainability is another environmental concern that goes hand in hand with organics. It rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable agriculture means raising food that is healthy for consumers and farm workers, does not harm the environment, respects animals, and provides a fair wage to farmers which in turn supports rural communities.

Is organic or sustainable really worth it?

Is it worth spending the extra money on organic foods? There is little scientific evidence to prove that organically grown food is higher in nutrient value, however, advocates agree that organic and sustainable food practices have the following benefits over non-organic food:

Better health: 

Organic food does not contain any traces of these strong chemicals and therefore might not have negative effects on the human body.

Better taste: People strongly believe that organic food tastes better than non-organic food. Organic food is often sold locally resulting in the availability of fresh produce in the market.

Environment safety: Sustainable farms do not raise more animals than the land is capable of housing. Farmers are able to use the animals’ waste as fertilizer and the land is able to absorb it. Sustainable farming adds important nutrients to the soil and protects against erosion. This preserves the land for future generations.

Animal welfare: On sustainable farms, animals are treated humanely, permitted to graze, root, or peck, and are fed a diet appropriate for their species. For example, cows are fed grass rather than grain, which their complex stomachs are not designed to digest.

Biodiversity: Sustainable farms raise different types of plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease. This diversity also protects against natural disasters.

How Do I Follow a Sustainable Organic Lifestyle?

Visit your local farmer’s market, or join a CSA (community-supported agriculture) or food cooperative. Purchasing locally grown food may lower your carbon footprint, depending on how and how far it is transported before reaching you. In San Diego, check out the Solana Beach farmer's market on Cedros Avenue (Sundays, 2-5 p.m.). They sell mostly all organic meats.

Eat seasonally: Buy food when it is in season, thus, minimizing transportation and storage. Fallbrook is famous for its avocado festivals. Carlsbad Village holds a weekly farmer's market every Wednesday with local growers. You can check the individual chamber of commerce websites for similar seasonal fairs and events that promote San Diego County's diverse organic resources.

Cook at home.  Buying organic and cooking at home means more control. You reduce your consumption of food contaminated with chemical fertilizers, hormones or antibiotics. The top local markets that support organic foods are Henry's, Trader Joes, and Whole Foods Market. Here is a list of reputable organic brands to add to your shopping list: "Annie's Naturals" for mustards and dressings, "Heritage Foods" for ham and meats, "Organic Valley" for cheese and milk,  "Simply Organic" for spices, "Woodstock Farms" for sugar, "Newman's Own Organics" for olive oil,  and "Bragg" for apple cider vinegar.

Hopefully, you're now convinced that living an organic lifestyle is within reach. It's a process that takes time, effort, and some new routines, however, each step you take holds benefits for you, your family, the planet AND future generations. So make a personal commitment to yourself and Mother Earth by making organics a daily part of your life.

Erika Niedernhofer is a Registered Dietitian. She lives in Solana Beach with her husband, daughter 8 years, son 6 years and their beloved Corgi.  An east coast native, Erika relocated to California in 2000 and enjoys living the California organic lifestyle.