Do You Buy Organic Produce? - Here's Why It Matters

I was at the grocery store the other day and I overheard a woman tell her adult daughter,

"Grab a tomato, but not organic because we're all going to die anyway."

This broke my heart, and since we like to focus on the good around here... I'm going to try to shine some light onto why organic is not only a healthier choice, but it's actually a less expensive choice in the long run. 

Let's start with the basics.

What does organic produce even mean?

According to organic.org the term organic means, 

"Simply stated, organic produce and other ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Animals that produce meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products do not take antibiotics or growth hormones."

 

For more in-depth definitions and clarification and specifics (or more confusing depending on how you look at it) you can visit, the USDA website.

What happens when we purchase non-organic produce?

It's tough not to get too long-winded here, but in case I do, here are the bullet points to know:

• We are voting with our dollar that these types of treatments for our food and planet are ok.
• We expose ourselves to artificial herbicides and fertilizers.
• Exposure to genetic modification, GMO (an issue for another day.)
• Expose ourselves to over 300 synthetic pesticides.
• Risk of soil and underground water contamination from the use of tons of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
• The effects of pesticides and artificial fertilizers have been scientifically proven seriously damaging to both the environment and human health.
• Pesticides not only kill pests but lots of beneficial insects as well. 
• Unknown health ramifications for all of us and our children. 

 

What happens when we purchase ORGANIC produce? 

• Organic food production eliminates soil and water contamination.
• Organic food growth helps to encourage biodiversity as it is much more of a natural balance.
• Preservation of beneficial insects and local wildlife.
• All organic produce is certified NON-GMO! Thank goodness.
• Less chemical exposure to our planet, our pets, and our children. Can't possibly be bad for anyone right? 

Why Is Organic Produce Less Expensive in the Long Run?

• Perhaps this is the optimism around here but when we spend a bit more for organic, we typically are more likely to use it. We take more pride in it, and know that it's extra nourishing.
• Organic puts fewer chemicals out into the environment, saving us all money in the long run for removing those chemicals from our surroundings, environment, and waterways. 
• Organic is better for our health. Anything that is better for our health helps to lower our medical costs long term as a community.
• Organic is better for our eco-system. Have you read about the way natural farming can reduce our carbon footprint? If not, you may just like to read (Kiss the Ground by Josh Tickell, and The Third Plate by Dan Barber.) 

Why Does Organic Matter?

I guess the main reason why it matters is simple. Yes, we are all going to die anyway, but while we are here, let's respect our planet, future generations, and all living beings with fewer chemicals. The only way we will help to cut the number of pesticides on our planet is to stop buying products that are treated with them. After all, no one is really even sure how much of an impact these chemicals will have. 

For A Double Bonus for the Planet - Buy Package FREE Organic Produce! 

Those plastic bags in the produce section of grocery stores (and even those at some farmers markets) are not good for our planet. To lower your carbon footprint while buying organic, we offer 100% cotton reusable string bags (you can see them here or in the main cover photo) and reusable produce bags so you can bring home all of the fresh produce without the plastic that will last a lifetime (and then some!)