What does "ORGANIC" mean to you?

By Ian Ross, Wellness Interactive

It wasn't that long ago when a search for organic products inside your local grocery store could be seen as an exercise in frustration. Organic products were often hard to find, and often quite expensive. Nowadays, it's becoming obvious that organics occupy a very different place in our collective consciousness. This month, Wal-Mart announced a decision to more fully integrate organic products into their stores. Soon we'll be seeing organic foods and apparel prominently displayed on the shelves of the largest retailer in America. With this announcement, I'd say it's official: Organics have hit the mainstream.

In the past, hearing the word "organic" may have brought to mind an obscure lifestyle or counter-culture movement. The word "organic" was associated with images of co-ops and bulk food bins, (not with the bustling aisles of Trader Joe's and abundant produce sections of Whole Foods). While those stores may not offer 100% organic goods, many of us think of them as being associated with organics. Why is this? It turns out that, far from having a single, scientific definition, the word "organic" now means many things to many people. According to The Hartman Group, a market research company specializing in health and wellness, "organic" can now mean:

• Better Tasting
• Fresh
• Local
• Healthier
• Less processed
• More real
• Sustainable

While some people think of organic as being about specifics (growing processes, fertilizers, etc...) it seems as if many more are thinking of organic in a far different and more general way. An organic lifestyle that is "simple and healthful and close to nature" sounds very appealing, and would explain a good deal of the interest and excitement surrounding today's organic products.

So we can see that the world of organics is changing, but is this a good or bad thing? Will the meaning of the word "organic" be weakened until it means next to nothing, much like "natural" does today? Or will a broader meaning and understanding of the term allow for more of us to live a lifestyle that simply makes us feel healthier?

We want to know what you think! Continue the organic debate on the Wellness Interactive message boards, and let us know what organic means to you.