I have the privilege to sit on the board of directors of the Canadian Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL).
I have been a member for a couple of years. Although the call was cut short due to technical issues. It made me think of this page from my website www.eatmyshrubs.com.
The term “organic” has a political aspect to it now. A buzz word of sorts. Therefore, I do not mean to get into a debate with people here. Good, better best is the something we say a lot in this house, especially when purchasing things.
What we all should ask ourselves when buying anything that claims to be “organic” is this.
What definition of organic does the manufacturer mean? (because it literally could be either of the following).
A chemical definition:
“relating to, or containing carbon compounds” (Miriam Webster)
A biological definition:
“of, relating to, or derived from living organisms” (Miriam Webster)
A cultural definition:
“an ecological management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil geological activity… a holistic approach which emphasizes the importance of relationships between living organisms and their environment”. (SOUL Organic Land Care Standard).
When it comes to land care there is only one definition that matters. Some things are carbon based, most things are derived from living organisms, but the ecological management of your property is what matters.