HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR READERS: Organic food is more readily available now than before, but what exactly does “organic” mean? Here is some helpful information from the United States Department of Agriculture:

If food has the “USDA Organic” seal, it means that it is certified organic and has met all of the standards necessary when inspected by a government approved certified inspector.

For crops (i.e., corn, wheat), that means no synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, prohibited pesticides, irradiation or genetically modified organisms were used.

For livestock, it means antibiotics and growth hormones were not used, and health and welfare standards were met for the animals.

For multi-ingredient foods, it means that it has at least 95 percent certified organic content.

There are three types of organic labels:

“100 percent organic” means it’s made with 100 percent organic ingredients.

“Organic” means it’s made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients.

“Made with organic ingredients” means at least 70 percent of ingredients are organic, and there are restrictions on the other 30 percent.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

DEAR HELOISE: It is just my husband and me in the house, so when we use dishes, they get washed and put back on top of the stack. The bottom dishes were rarely getting used unless we had company, and the top dishes were starting to show wear. Now when I am putting plates back in the cabinet, I place them on the bottom of the stack. All dishes are used equally.

• Kim in Wisconsin

DEAR READER: Great hint! The same can be done for sheets and towels to even out wear.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint for those disposable pie tins, butter tubs, baby food jars and round oatmeal containers: Give them to a preschool. Pie tins and butter tubs can be used for paint, glue, feathers or sequins for art projects. Somebody’s trash is another person’s treasure. I know we appreciate them.

• Christine in Fillmore, Calif.

DEAR READER: Just be sure to call ahead to make sure the school accepts them.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail

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