• Natural: Girlawhirl would love to think that based on the way it sounds, natural means ‘from nature.' But unfortunately the word has been so over-used, and even abused by marketers, that it really doesn't stand for anything anymore. The use of the word “natural” on food packages isn't regulated by the US Government, and Girlawhirl's seen it boldly placed on foods that contain MSG. From now on Girlawhirl will be sure not to be distracted by a “natural” label. She plans on double-checking to see that it's minimally processed and preservative free – two points often associated with natural foods.

• Organic: Since 2002, the US Government has regulated and certified the use of the term “organic” on food labels. To be certified organic, a food must be produced without the following: synthetic and sewer-sludge fertilizers, most pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, irradiation and genetic modification. Products labeled 100% organic must contain only organically produced ingredients not counting added salt and water. To use the term “organic” on a food label, the product must contain 95% organic ingredients. The other five percent must be on the national list of non-organic ingredients approved for use in “organic” products. To state “made with organic ingredients”, the organic content of the product must be 70% or more, and, again, the other 30% must be on the national list.

• Sustainable: outside of the environmental context, to sustain something means simply to keep it going. So when Girlawhirl applies this word to the state of affairs on planet earth, she uses it in the same way: how long can we keep things going here? On a larger scale, can the earth provide enough food and water for its inhabitants, and considering that number continues to grow – the UN estimates that by 2050 the earth's population will reach nine billion – how long will it be until it can't? There are many definitions of “sustainable” agriculture and development out there. But in the case of specific resources, like bamboo vs. wood and fossil fuels vs. bio fuels, the more renewable option – bamboo and bio fuels in those examples – is referred to as the sustainable choice.

• Biodynamic: the term biodynamic refers to a system of farming that, like organic farming, doesn't use synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and all the other ‘nasties.' But biodynamic farmers believe that with the right mix of animals, plants and a little natural assistance from man in the form of ground preparation and composting, a healthy and fertile farm can be maintained. Those who practice the biodynamic philosophy believe that by using their methods, the earth can in fact heal itself. Girlawhirl has noticed she's seen a lot of wines lately made from grapes grown in this manner.

Girlawhirl is always learning about new words and ideas as she continues to find out more about what she can do to help stop global warming. There's a lot more information on the following sites:

Stopglobalwarming.org

earth911.org

the national resources defense council