RODALE NEWS, ANAHEIM, CA—The economy is tanking, but there was no sign of a slowdown last week at the Anaheim Convention Center during Natural Products Expo West, the biggest show of the year for the organic and natural products industry.

THE DETAILS: Official numbers aren’t out yet, but expo spokeswoman Julie Lunn says that the more than 1,900 exhibiting companies, 3,000 booths, and 50,000-plus attendees put the event right on par with 2008 numbers. The expo ran March 6 to 8 this year, and it’s come a long way from its inaugural year in 1981, with just 3,000 attendees. Since the event wasn’t open to the public, here’s a summary of what Rodale.com saw there:

Day 1: It’s mainstream, baby! As veterans of the expo probably know, and as we found out the hard way, Day 1 is all about getting your bearings and avoiding bellyache. Thousands of vendors stock their booths with food and drink to entice retailers to carry their products. Many are organic, natural, fair trade, and sustainable. (Some would like you to think they are, but it isn’t always the case—so always look at the ingredients label.) In general, the event is packed with people who want to make the world a better place, and bring safer food and products to the marketplace. There was also a celebrity sighting—Paula Abdul mingled around the show with Rodale.com for awhile. (She’s not stingy with hugs—see Maria Rodale’s blog.)

The Organic Center’s “The Organic Solution” dinner isn’t a part of the expo, but many attended it in between Days 1 and 2. The Rodale Institute’s Tim LaSalle was on hand to explain the science of organic agriculture, and how it can mitigate global warming, to finely dressed guests. While sitting around and waiting for the meal, you could hear the buzz about how far this industry has come. “It’s mainstream,” one wide-eyed woman said. “I mean, could you imagine this 30 years ago? And now, the kids get it, too. They demand organic. They’re telling their parents.”

Day 2: Shinsplints, interviews, and more food. Day 2 was all about walking miles of show floor, talking to vendors, and trying out their products. One booth offered free massages (yes, we accepted), and that gave us the energy to go on and yes, eat more organic food. Visit Rodale.com often this week for more news from Natural Products Expo West, including our favorite picks, interviews, and products!

WHAT IT MEANS: If consumers continue to support organic and sustainable agriculture and products, there’s no reason every store won’t carry safer products for consumers of all economic backgrounds. We’re all cutting corners on unnecessary items to save money in this tough economy, but remember that what you put in your mouth and on your skin directly impacts your health. Buy as much organically grown food as you can—locally produced, when possible—and look for certified organic products with natural ingredients when buying packaged foods for your family. Fuel yourself with healthy foods and products to stay well in tough times and avoid trips to the doctor’s office.