Do you know the difference between organic, ecological, biological and sustainable?

Surely, on more than one occasion you have come across products that have associated terms such as organic, ecological, biological and sustainable. At first glance, they may seem synonymous, but they all have particularities that should be known. In this article, we will help you choose one or the other depending on your preferences and priorities, since regulation is very confusing when it comes to specifying these terms. So much so, those companies in the sector, along with consumers, have been specifying the particularities of each term.

What we must make clear from now is that consuming this type of product helps to lead a more balanced diet; with more vegetables, less sugars and with greater knowledge of the origin of everything that we add to our table.

By opting for organic, ecological, biological and sustainable food, we will do our body and the planet a great favor, since each of them aims to maintain our health and that of our environment. By choosing products that bear these stamps, you will be helping to achieve a better world.

By the way, do not trust products that have the term “natural” on the labeling, since in itself it has no meaning and can be confusing. In many cases, it is used to equate it to the concepts we have mentioned above, which is not correct and can mislead consumers. There are many names on the supermarket shelf that want to express the same thing, and since they are not regulated by law, they are used indiscriminately and without a real basis.

We believe it is important to know how to differentiate between organic, ecological, biological and sustainable products. So let’s get to it.

Organic product

You should know that finding a product that has the term “organic” on its label indicates that it rejects the use of artificial chemicals or pesticides. In other words, only products of natural origin have been used until they reach your table. Those who choose organic products make sure to avoid problems of intolerance and allergies to chemicals, increasingly common today due to the saturation of pesticides used with many foods. Furthermore, they are beneficial for the conservation of natural resources and the good health of future generations to come.

The “organic” seal specifies that no chemical element has been used to obtain this product, that includes pesticides, fertilizers or substances of that type. It is necessary to clarify that not all organic foods are “bio”, since although they do not contain chemicals; some have been made with genetically altered products.

The virtues of organic products do not only remain in our health, since they are very positive for the environment. Among many benefits, its cultivation prevents the erosion of the field by favoring the rotation of the land and maintaining biodiversity. In this way, the fertility of the soil is increased and the good condition of the underground springs is preserved.

Ecological product

In order for a product to carry the “ecological” seal, it must pass all stages of production and development in nature, without any artificial interference.

Therefore, whenever you come across an organic vegetable, for example, you must know that until you reach your hands, an organic seed was also used, growing with soil and water without contaminants and a total lack of chemical elements such as fertilizers or pesticides. Therefore, its flavor must only be the result of the climate and the soil where that food has matured.

In addition to the well-known benefits for our health, the production of organic food is respectful of the environment. Cattle raising is established in areas without contamination, with organic food and without using hormones or antibiotics. It is at all times to maintain the purity of natural resources, without altering animal and plant welfare and using renewable resources.

Biological product

This term is used to refer to products that have been developed without any genetic manipulation. There are a lot of products in the supermarket that have been genetically altered   and we ignore it. If you want to make sure that no component of the product has been altered, look for the label that indicates “bio”.

Like the other terms, organic products have a double benefit; for us and for the environment. Its cultivation helps to maintain a high level of biodiversity, improving the genetic heritage of animal species.

Sustainable product

Among all the terms that we are explaining in this article, “sustainable” is the one that most encompasses, since it combines two concepts: respect for the environment and the economy. That a product is sustainable will always have as its main objective the well-being of people, but without neglecting respect for nature. Therefore, a sustainable crop   emphasizes that farmers and producers can live from it in order to enhance the economy of the area where it develops.

Conclusion

We stress the importance of knowing these terms and their differences. The increase in demand for these products and, consequently, their production, will make it possible for you to find them regularly on the labeling of the products and services you consume.