Scrutinize labels!

I currently attend MCC, and have found that Environmental Biology to be very helpful in understanding human impact on the earth. I've learned more about plants, farming, pesticide use, pollution, etc. and it renews my motivations for living sustainably. I am encouraged to recycle, compost, use chemical-free products in my home and buy chemical-free food to put in my body. I know that buying something labeled "organic" may mean that some approved chemicals may still exist in the product. We have to really scrutinize the labeling on anything we buy. Marketing people know exactly what to put on a label in order to influence our buying habits. Don't fall for the fake-out false claims. Know what you are buying, educate yourself on what claims are legitimate. "Cage-free" doesn't mean chickens are running around pastures in the sun. In order for an egg carton to claim "cage-free" on the package, the chickens just have to have "access" to an open area. That could mean that 5 minutes a day, the chicken coop is opened....the chicken may not even go through the door. What you really need to look for is "PASTURED" chickens. That literally means the chickens are raised on grass fields, which is the most humane environment, and in turn creates the healthiest chickens. This means meat that is healthier for us, and eggs that are higher in omega3's and nutrients. You may have to shop local farmer's markets to find them - ASK the farmer directly (or whomever is there representing the farm).