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WHY ORGANIC? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BUYING ORGANIC?

WHY ORGANIC?
Items that carry the organic label represent products that have been grown under strict standards. USDA certification guarantees that all agricultural products are grown, raised, harvested, and processed with out the use of harmful synthetics, irradiation, chemicals, preservatives, and pesticides. These products are also free of genetic manipulation, most commonly know as GMO’s (genetically modified organisms).

What are the benefits of buying organic?

1. Organic products are free from synthetic chemicals and preservatives.
2. Environmentally responsible agriculture. Organic farming reduces pollution by building and maintaining healthy soils, preserving and respecting our water resources, and by working in harmony with nature. Organic farmers help preserve important ecosystems.
3. Reduces health risks for farmers, consumers, and the environment. Several EPA-approved pesticides were in use long before extensive research linked these synthetic chemicals to cancer and other debilitating diseases. Organic agriculture is a way to prevent these chemicals from being released into the environment.

Some of these common chemicals and health affects are listed below:

• Methyl/propylparaben: Used as a preservative in food and personal care products. These chemicals are found in facial cleansers, skin lotions, shampoos, and conditioners.
• Effects on Health: Potential breast carcinogen and endocrine disrupter. It raises concern for impaired fertility/development and increased risks for certain cancers. Parabens also can instigate immune system response such as itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin
• Propylene glycol: A colorless, viscous liquid, used in anti-freeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. This chemical is used in anti-freeze, brake and hydraulic fluid, de-icer, paints, pet food, toothpastes, shampoos, and deodorant.
• Effects on Health: Contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities; can inhibit skin cell growth in human tests and can damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage. (Material Safety Data Sheets/MSDS) 
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS): A surfactant used to break down the surface tension of water. This chemical is used in concrete floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash detergents, toothpastes, shampoos, and deodorant. 
• Effects on Health: SLS corrodes hair follicles and impairs ability to grow hair. It enters the body and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain via skin contact. SLS can damage the immune system; cause separation of skin layers and cause inflammation to the skin. (Journal of the American College of Toxicology; Vol. 2, No. 7, 1983)  
• Fragrance: Normally a mixture of synthetics and can include hundreds of individual ingredients. It is exempt from product labeling laws and are common human allergens. Fragrance is found in a wide variety of personal care products and cosmetics.
• Effects on Health: Unspecified mixture of chemicals have been linked to potential immune and nervous system toxicity.

WE PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH!
At BCB, it is our goal to provide customers with high-quality, organic, and environmentally safe products. Our products do not contain any artificial ingredients and we purchase our ingredients from companies that have strict quality control standards. These companies do regular inspections on their goods such as: moisture counts, bacteria/mold sampling, and pesticide residue testing. In addition to the above, they also examine environmental impact reviews, fair market trade, and human rights issues.