At times it
seems that choosing organic isn’t always the easiest option especially when we
are surrounded by an abundance of choices at the supermarket. The following
list provides some health, economic and environmental reasons to choose organic
and inspire us to make better choices now for ourselves, the environment and
for future generations.
1.
We
avoid chemical pesticides, fertilisers,
herbicides and livestock additives such as steroids and antibiotics when we
choose organic. Trace amounts of these chemicals are ingested or absorbed into
our bodies when we use non-organic products, the cumulative effect of these
chemicals can have a deleterious effect on our long-term health and may
contribute to the increased incidence of chronic diseases in modern society.
2.
Choosing
organic we are naturally avoiding genetically
modified foods, many of which have unspecified effects on our health and
the health of the environment. The potential negative effects of GM farming
include the growth of ‘superweeds’, the killing of beneficial pest species and
the creation of new viral diseases.
3.
Organic
farming practices are more beneficial for the environment, using techniques
such as crop rotation, biological pest control and irrigation management which reduces
issues such as soil erosion.
4.
Because
organic foods and products are grown in naturally fertilised soils and often
have a longer growing period, the nutritional,
medicinal and therapeutic value of organics are far greater than those
grown rapidly with chemical fertilisers.
5.
Taste! Yes, many organic foods taste much better than
foods grown conventionally and then kept in cold storage for months. Unlike
many conventional products, organic foods and products are vital, vibrant and
alive and many of us can sense, feel and taste it too.
6.
Although
on the surface, choosing organic often seems more expensive, long term, buying
organic is actually much more economical. When choosing organic you often avoid
many of the hidden costs associated
with pesticide regulation, hazardous waste disposal and environmental damage
associated with conventional industry.
7.
Pesticides
used in conventional agriculture can have some dramatic effects on aquatic life and the ecology; organic
farming significantly reduces the amount of chemical runoff and residues which
are currently going into our drinking water, waterways and coastal areas.
8.
Save energy with choosing organic; there is a significant
amount of energy expended by conventional farming practices with the manufacture
of synthetic fertilisers and mass production. Organic farming is often still
labour based, with many labour intensive practices such as hand weeding, green
manure and crop covers which use time tested methods that consume fewer fossil
fuels.
9.
Protect future generations: the average child is said to receive
four times more exposure than an adult when consuming foods treated with common
pesticides. Also, choosing organic for our children means avoiding food
additives, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives that may contribute
to learning or behavioural difficulties.
10.
Local
farmers markets are the perfect place to choose organic, this gives us an opportunity to learn more about the
organic food or product that we are purchasing, we learn about where it has
come from and thus have a greater
connection to its origins.
Follow Down To Earth Organics on
Twitter @dteorganics where you can find out about local farmers markets and
other community events where you can find local, natural and organic produce
all around Australia.
Choose natural, choose
organic, choose local.
