My Account
May 31, 2011 at 6:00 am
It’s not a race. It’s not a contest. It’s not a competition.
Not here anyway. I promise.
A long time ago, someone gave me an I’m Organic Certified Organic Mom magnet for my car. It was before I began blogging for I’m Organic. And it was at a time when I was just a little organic.
I was dipping a toe in the organic ocean — I was learning every day and struggling to make changes in a town where organic produce wasn’t even readily available.
When I was given that magnet it was from someone who knew I was trying to make good choices, and to raise my son naturally.
And then one day that magnet became a talking point. I was loading up our stroller into the back of my car when another mom asked me if I only hung out with the “other organic moms.”
She was smiling, but I saw something in her eyes — she was feeling insecure about our new friendship. No, I told her to break the tension – I only hang out with the other sleep-deprived moms who eat peanut butter out of the jar while standing at the sink.
I told her that my magnet was a declaration of who I was trying to be, and that it was also a gift from a nice friend. And that’s when the real conversation about living organically started.
Since then, I’ve had similar conversations with other moms. Moms who ask me about our diet, or how we afford organics, or why we make the choices we make.
It is a minefield — let me tell you — especially on a first playdate.
Organic living can mean different things to different people — something I didn’t understand at all when I started down this natural path.
But what I have learned in the years since I stuck a magnet on the back of my car and started making little changes, is that organic living really is about the journey. It is about the small steps we take every day — switching to organics for berries, apples and potatoes; trying some organic cheese instead of the conventional kind; swapping out a chemical cleaner for vinegar and baking soda.
If you are reading this blog (thanks!), you are on some level interested in organic living. And interest is great! That’s huge!
Making one small change is even bigger.
So at what point do you officially become organic? I say it’s the minute you take that first organic step.
You don’t have to be 100 percent organic, or 75 percent organic or even 50 percent organic — you just have to want to start down a path.
So there you go — I just certified you. Now how about some free stuff?
Comment below about one change that you have made in your life recently to live more organically. You’ll be entered to win FIVE I’m Organic magents. I only ask that you think about passing one on to a friend who you want to encourage to take organic steps too! Because supporting each other as we learn and grow is really how organic living can become mainstream.
Have you liked us on Facebook yet? Because that is a way to win another entry! (Just come back here and let us know you did it!)
A winner will be announced in Saturday’s post! Best of luck!!
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Since having my daughter, I’ve swapped out the “dirty dozen” fruits and veggies for organics. The lower cost of conventionals are just not worth the risks that all those pesticides pose to her health. The biggest thing I’ve noticed since switching? Bananas and peaches actually taste like bananas and peaches and not cardboard!
Comment by Dana — May 31, 2011 @ 9:24 am
Oh, and I forgot to mention that I’ve “liked” you on facebook for quite a while now. I love your posts and have learned a lot!
Comment by Dana — May 31, 2011 @ 9:26 am
Four years ago, we began our journey. First we tackled the fruits and veggies. Next were the protien sources. Since then, it has been a whirlwind of changes from cleaners, to kitchen items, to bedding, and now renovations. Being organic has changed our lives, and I’m proud to say it’s the only lifestyle my children know. There are still so many steps we need to take, but we are having fun! BTW, I love your blog! You have inspired me in so many ways! Thank you!!
Comment by Amy A. — May 31, 2011 @ 12:58 pm
Aw! Thanks to you both!! I’m so glad you commented. You made my day.
Comment by Kara — May 31, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
Organic, free range, open pastured, humanely treated meat. We have been organic in many ways for a long time. But after seeing the movie Fresh, there has been no turning back with meat. Dig around enough and there are plenty of farmers doing it better these days!
Http://rebeccakielpages.blogspot.com
Comment by Rebecca Kiel — May 31, 2011 @ 8:49 pm
Well ,I always buy resale .Then started with free range and organic milk and I build it from there . I went on to recycle bags .and using reuseable bags to enviroment freindly house hold products .Then I went to CLOTH diapers and CLOTH wipes .
Oh yeah I dared ! and still using them today. as we speak I am online buying more and doing research on which cloth diapers we will use for baby number two. We also use wool dryer balls to cut drying time in half . When we can we buy organically grown cotton , hemp, or bamboo products. We use our kleen kateen bottles paid a pretty penny but don’t worry we bought them half off 
I buy used furniture which I love to do and turn it into something else or restore it . I have a blast . Our all time fav is to go to the farmers market , we buy fresh flowers and fruits and veggies 
Comment by jennifer f. — June 2, 2011 @ 10:06 pm
I definitely “like” I’m Organic on Facebook – it is how I find out when the blog updates
I started making organic changes in college, one tiny step at a time, and each day, as I become more educated and enlightened, I continue on my organic journey. I go for only organic produce (local if possible) when before I tended to mix and match. I am taking the bigger leap since I feel I have conquered the food realm I am trying to take my organic to the NEXT LEVEL! This is really difficult but I am doing the best I can, which includes organic cotten clothes, bags and moving toward organic toilettries and personal care items.
Regardless as to what point you are at, we are all on the journey, and we are on the journey together!
Much organic love <3
Comment by Andrea Nelson — June 2, 2011 @ 10:06 pm
all ready like on FB
Comment by jennifer f. — June 2, 2011 @ 10:08 pm