As a new RVer, we know how overwhelming it is to find all the RV products available on the market! Understanding some of the biggest differences between organic, natural, and safe products on the market when it comes to holding tank products and RV chemicals is essential. When it comes down to it, what does each of these terms really mean?

Understanding Organic, Natural, & Safe

Organic

It is a common term these days to hear the word “organic”. The term “organic” has become a regular marketing term on food packaging, clothing, or cleaning products. It can, however, be misleading at times. 

There is a major problem with most cleaning products not being regulated by the USDA. The regulation of cleaning products is different from those of food, shampoo, and skincare products because they are not intended for human consumption. Consequently, the term “organic” in cleaning products is not strictly regulated, and it is not a reliable indicator of what’s inside. An organic product must comply with the USDA’s standards to be considered legitimate. Cleaning products that claim to be organic do not fit into this category, so you should be cautious about those that label themselves as organic and ensure they are properly certified.

Important note: Companies sometimes refer to their products as “organic” simply because they contain organic ingredients. It is not enough that something exists on earth to make it safe! Asbestos, arsenic, mercury, asbestos, and even formaldehyde could be deemed organic or natural under this labelling system! Avoid products that claim to be organic but don’t have a seal from the organization that certified them.

Natural

“Natural” is another term with a lot of issues because it is not regulated by the federal government. By definition, natural products come from the earth without human intervention. Although the term is often used correctly, it also has its pitfalls due to its lack of regulation for foods as well as non-food items. Natural products aren’t clearly distinguished from non-natural products by rules. A company’s own products are also not governed by rules concerning what can and cannot be said. 

Safe

Generally speaking, the term “safe” refers to the extent to which it poses no threat to people, animals, or the environment. Due to its basis in tangible dangers, this term is a little clearer than the others. For all cleaning products, there is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS or formerly MSDS), which identifies the ingredients within the product that may be hazardous. To be honest, this is the best method for determining whether a product is safe or dangerous.