Sustainable: The terms Sustainable and Sustainability are used to describe many different approaches toward improving our way of life. Sustainability does not (and should not) have a rigid definition. But some suggestions are:
- Sustainability is creating a world where everyone can have fulfilling lives and enjoy a rich level of well-being within the limits of what nature can provide.
- Sustainability means renewing resources at a rate equal to or greater than the rate at which they are consumed.
- Sustainability means living within the resources of the planet without damaging the environment now or in the future.
- Sustainability means creating an economic system that provides for quality of life while renewing the environment and its resources.
- A sustainable community is one that resembles a living system where all of the resources (human, natural and economic) are renewed and in balance for perpetuity.
The term organic is defined by law as regulated by AQIS – the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service – under the National Organic Standard - all organic food production and processing is governed by a strict set of internationally recognised rules.Organic certification is when an organic certifying group audits a business’ methods to ensure that they comply with national or international standards for organic farming and processing. The logo that organic producers get is here The Biological Farmers Association is a great place to start for information on Organic Certification and information about the benefits of eating organic produce for the consumer, the farmer, the animals and the global environment.
Biodynamic farming practices are of an organic nature, not relying on bringing artificial fertilisers on to the farm, although some organic or natural mineral fertiliser may be necessary during the establishment phase.
Biodynamic farms seek to enhance the soils structure and nutrient cycles as well as plant growth and development with the use of specific Preparations which are made from farm-sourced materials.
Biodynamic Agriculture Australia has further information on bio-dynamic farming http://www.biodynamics.net.au/
Permaculture: Permaculture is a design system for creating sustainable human environments. It aims to bring food production back to where people live and to develop new, sustainable ways of living in our cities and rural areas.
Non-organic: Using chemicals and other modifications to support the growth and production of food and other products. Due to the tight restrictions and standards around the labeling of organic products, anything that has does not meet these standards is non-organic.
Fair Trade:Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. By requiring companies to pay sustainable prices, Fairtrade addresses the injustices of conventional trade, which traditionally discriminates against the poorest, weakest producers. It enables them to improve their position and have more control over their lives.Child labour and exploitation is a significant issue in developing countires and one that Faritrade is atempting to address. The Fairtrade standards for producer organizations prohibit child labour – work that is hazardous, exploitive or that undermines a child’s education or its emotional and physical health.
Although there are a number of different industries where Fairtrade is being promoted, the ones most closely associated with food are :
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Tea
- Sugar
- Nuts
The Fairtrade Logo can be found on those products that have been cetified Fairtrade.
The Fairtrade Australia website provides more information about Fairtrade practices
Some useful general websites to help alleviate confusion: http://www.dictionary.com/ ; http://www.wikipedia.org/ ; http://www.urbandictionary.com/
