PVC Tubes Organic?

[GrowingVeggies]

I'm thinking of making my own PVC Tomato Cage.

http://www.feldoncentral.com/garden/tom_pvc/?ind=2

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organ...mato-Cage.aspx

On MortherEarthNews, if you look at the comments people are talking about how PVC tubes are not organic and will make your plants not organic too.

So will using PVC really make your plants not organic anymore?

[Newt]

I did a google search with the term:* PVC leaching
and found this info (the added color is mine for clarification):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride

Phthalate plasticizers
Many vinyl products contain additional chemicals to change the chemical consistency of the product. Some of these additional chemicals called additives can leach out of vinyl products. Plasticizers that must be added to make PVC flexible have been an additive of particular concern.

Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC)
uPVC or Rigid PVC is often used in the building industry as a low-maintenance material, particularly in the UK, and in the United States...* The same material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being used for waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters and downpipes.[8]

Due to environmental concerns[9] use of PVC is discouraged by some local authorities[10] in countries such as Germany and The Netherlands. This concerns both flexible PVC and rigid uPVC as not only the plasticizers in PVC are seen as a problem but also the emissions from manufacturing and disposal. The use of modern impact modifiers offer great stability. The issues of migration and brittleness of the PVC compound are overcome.[citation needed]

Bans
The State of California is currently considering a bill that would ban the use of PVC in consumer packaging due to the threats it poses to human and environmental health and its effect on the recycling stream.[38] Specifically, the language of the bill analysis[39] stipulates that EPA has listed PVC as a carcinogen. It is also further cites that there are concerns about the leaching of phthalates and lead from the PVC packaging.

There is lots more to read there, but basically the most concern with direct contact is in the manufacture of and use of PVC for "medical devices with PVC containing DEHP" and "soft toys".* Of course the pollution and manufacture of PVC is also of concern due to the relaese of dioxins, also discussed at that site.

Newt

[GrowingVeggies]

So PVC won't be organic? USDA certifies a product organic if it is 95% or more organic right? So if right now my plants are 100% and I use the PVC tubes would it still be higher than 95%?

*

[Newt]

So PVC won't be organic?

No it won't.

USDA certifies a product organic if it is 95% or more organic right?

I don't know all the particulars of the certification process.* If you found that info it would be helpful for you to include a link to it.

So if right now my plants are 100% and I use the PVC tubes would it still be higher than 95%?

That's going to take someone smarter then me to figure out.* :?

Newt

[GrowingVeggies]

Here is a website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_certification

In the US, federal organic legislation defines three levels of organics. Products made entirely with certified organic ingredients and methods can be labeled "100% organic". Products with at least 95% organic ingredients can use the word "organic". Both of these categories may also display the USDA organic seal. A third category, containing a minimum of 70% organic ingredients, can be labeled "made with organic ingredients". In addition, products may also display the logo of the certification body that approved them. Products made with less than 70% organic ingredients can not advertise this information to consumers and can only mention this fact in the product's ingredient statement. Similar percentages and labels apply in the EU.

I probably will still try the PVC....any other suggestions for tomato cages?

[Newt]

...any other suggestions for tomato cages?

I'd suggest you do a google search and click on 'Images' for pics so you can see the home made ones.* We use bamboo stakes and old pantyhose strips.

Newt