It
has already been proven how organic foods are really beneficial to your health,
economy and the environment. Many people have resorted to only purchasing and
choosing organic foods because they know that they are free from toxic
chemicals and pesticide. These toxic chemicals and pesticides can bring serious
health issues for adults, but even more so for children. Here are simple tips to help you in your
quest to living and eating sustainably.
- Find out where your local farmer’s market is
located.
Buying local
produce and organics food is a great sustainable choice! Many grocery stores
are now incorporating buying local programs in their stores to not only support
the community, but to also make available the demand of fresh and organic
produce.
- Always
read the labels of food
If you are looking
for organic foods, you should always read the labels of the food. Most of the time, packaged foods are marked
clearly with a certified organic seal. Fruits and vegetables generally do not
have stickers with the PLU code or known as Product Look Up code so you can
determine the way food are being made, but stores with label as such definitely
look for the signs. If you are not
sure if it is organic or not, you can look specifically at the ingredients for
any added preservatives or chemicals.
- Don’t forget to ask questions
Whether you are
buying your foods directly from the supermarket or from the farm, you must be
knowledgeable and ask questions. You must ask whether the products are truly
organically grown. There have been cases of mislabeling and price gorging on
items that in fact were not truly organically grown. Talk to you local store
manager or produce manager to see how knowledgeable they are about their products. You can then make the determination of
whether to purchase if you are comfortable with what they share with you.
- Buy organic but be mindful of your budget.
Is organic foods
more expensive than conventional products and produce? The answer is yes. It can be. Many people have limited food
budgets, but just because you have a set budget doesn’t mean that you have to
sacrifice not enjoying the quality of buying organic. Buying organic that is in season or in bulk
can save you money. Also having a balance
of some conventional foods and some organic can make for a balanced and healthy
meal. Every item doesn’t have to be
organic to enjoy the health benefits of an organic lifestyle. Purchase
conventional especially meats in moderation but let your fruits and vegetables
be organic.
- If not organic buy local to help the environment.
When you buy
local, you are eliminating the carbon footprint that some products may have
even if it is organic. There are
petrochemicals used in transportation so when you buy local you obtain the
health benefits of eating farm-fresh, and it has less impact on the
environment.
Organic foods is Mother nature’s provision for
us. Organic is a much healthier choice and more
nutritious. If you have not
purchased organic foods before, today I say what are you waiting for?
Follow these tips as you begin your green
lifestyle. It is a healthy and
responsible choice, but also enjoyable and assuring to know you are providing
the best for your family. Once you begin
you will see the benefits, how satisfying it is, and also what a great
investment in your health it will be which is without question the most
important.
