The Soil Association is running the campaign “Organic Season” in an effort to increase the number of people who try organic food and spread awareness of the benefits of organic farming methods and food choices.
Transitioning to organic food is beneficial not only for you but also for the planet. Organic farming is beneficial to the environment, as it safeguards wildlife, contributes to the preservation of the planet, and helps to build healthy soils.
Making the decision to consume organic food can serve as a catalyst for broader changes and the pursuit of a more environmentally responsible way of life. But the process does not take place overnight. A change in lifestyle is required. It is not only organic food that should be taken into consideration; organic clothing and cosmetics are also available.
Making the switch to organic can be a very intimidating and expensive endeavor. In an effort to assist you in making the switch to organic food in September, we have outlined ten straightforward methods that you can experiment with.
Tips for Transition to Organic Food
Buy local
You should go to the farmer’s market in your area and purchase organic fresh fruits and vegetables. It is possible to find organic food that is both more affordable and more fresh than what you would find in your neighborhood supermarket. Not only are you helping to support local businesses, but you are also helping to support local farmers by purchasing fresh produce directly from them. In addition, you have the option of purchasing fresh vegetables from a local organic vegetable box program. You will be able to take pleasure in the fresh organic produce that is currently available.
For More- How To Start An Organic Food Garden In 8 Easy Steps
Grow your own
Suppose you have access to an allotment or a garden. In that case, you should try growing some vegetables that are simple to cultivate, such as carrots, cucumbers, and courgettes, using seeds that are certified as not containing genetically modified organisms and organic soil. Stuck for room to move? You always have the option of cultivating some herbs in a window box if you do not have access to any outdoor space. Your ability to cultivate herbs like basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, and thyme is enhanced by this method.
Buy seasonal
During the off-season, the cost of organic produce nearly always increases. There is a significant amount of variation in the cost of organic food, which is influenced by the time of year as well as whether or not the ingredients are in season. You can save a significant amount of money by shopping during the appropriate season. On the other hand, you could exercise your creativity and replace foods that are out of season with ingredients that are currently in season.
Avoid the “Dirty Dozen”
Pesticides are sprayed on non-organic fruit and vegetables in large quantities. But regrettably, because pesticide residue seeps through the peel and into the flesh of fruit and vegetables, carefully washing and scrubbing them is largely pointless.
Purchasing organic food can be costly. Choosing which fruits and vegetables on your weekly shopping list to buy organic can be difficult and confusing if your budget doesn’t allow you to buy only organic. Which tactic is most effective?
Steer clear of the “Dirty Dozen,” which consists of potatoes, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, and pears. Give purchasing organic versions of these foods, which are more prone to pesticide exposure, top priority.
Save money with conventional versions of the “Clean Fifteen”
If you can’t go entirely organic, stock your refrigerator with conventional fruits and vegetables that have been treated with less pesticides. On a tight budget, you can purchase traditional forms of the “Clean Fifteen,” which consist of the following: onions, papaya, sweetcorn, pineapples, avocados, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupe, broccoli, mushrooms, and honeydew melons. Thick-skinned foods—like avocados—are more resilient to pesticide damage and have a higher degree of pesticide resistance.
Get cooking
If you can’t go entirely organic, stock your refrigerator with conventional fruits and vegetables that have been treated with less pesticides. On a tight budget, you can purchase traditional forms of the “Clean Fifteen,” which consist of the following: onions, papaya, sweetcorn, pineapples, avocados, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, cauliflower, cantaloupe, broccoli, mushrooms, and honeydew melons. Thick-skinned foods—like avocados—are more resilient to pesticide damage and have a higher degree of pesticide resistance.
Wear organic clothing
Pesticides for agriculture are frequently used on cotton crops. This implies that clothing manufactured from cotton crops farmed traditionally frequently has pesticide residue on it. It’s possible for these pesticides to penetrate your skin and enter your body. Because of this, it’s crucial to wear clothing made of organic cotton for the sake of the environment as well as your personal health.
Freeze organic food
You always have the option of purchasing frozen organics in the event that your preferred fresh food is either out of season or too expensive to purchase. Although the nutritional content is comparable to that of fresh produce, you may save money by purchasing frozen food in large quantities. You won’t have to worry about wasting any food if you put the items that you don’t consume back into the freezer for later use.
Also Read- 10 Superfoods To Consider Adding To Your Diet
Conclusion
Making a lot of changes at once might be intimidating, but switching to organic food is healthy for the environment and you. Be kind with yourself and modify your diet and lifestyle habits little by little over time. It may be as simple as adding one more organic item to your lifestyle to make a big difference. It has the potential to improve agricultural and food operations significantly. More organic farms result from increased consumer demand for organic food and goods. It translates to reduced use of pesticides, animal protection, and ecological preservation.
