Why go organic?

As you know, we’re slowly moving into the organic sphere – so far, we’ve managed to turn almost one entire range organic, and all our products are made with GMO-free konjac flour. But why? What’s so great about organic, anyway? Why are some of your friends and lots of people on the internet going on about shifting to organic foods, organic products and an organic lifestyle?

Quite simply: because it’s better, both for you and for the planet. Let’s break it down into eight (of many more) simple reasons.

Avoiding chemicals

Commercially grown food is filled with chemical poisons, most of which have NOT been tested for long term health effects! And let’s not forget about chemical pesticides and fertilisers. An average serving of greens can contain residue from three to four pesticides, many of which are absorbed by our body and build up over time, increasing in toxicity. To cap it all, commercial foods are often fertilised with sewage sludge, which contains all those harmful sulphates and parabens from our shampoos and body washes. All these chemicals are dangerous, especially to growing children, and have been linked to a range of problems including ADHD, autism, obesity and some cancers.

Better nutrition

Organic foods are grown in soil that is nourished sustainably and responsibly – and most of all, naturally! They have more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients, which are all absorbed into the body more easily. Studies have found that on average, organically grown foods provide 21.1% more iron, 27% more Vitamin C, 29.3% more magnesium and 13.6% more phosphorus than conventional counterparts. Don’t think those sound that important? A quick Google search will prove you wrong!

No GMO

Organic foods are never genetically modified in any way, and allow you to avoid GMO foods – which do not have to be labelled in some countries, and are therefore hard to spot. Most GE foods were approved more than 15 years ago, after which we’ve found that the difference in the genetic makeup of foods can lead to human health risks. GM foods are also spreading at an alarming rate, suffocating indigenous crop strains – their repercussions on our environment are likely beyond our current understanding.

Better taste

Ask anyone who’s gone organic – organic foods just taste better! In fact, a lot of people make the switch just for that reason alone. Well-nourished, balanced soil leads to strong and healthy plants just bursting with nutrition and flavour. In fact, many small farms have cultivated their crops over generations for taste over appearance.

No hormones, antibiotics or drugs

A huge percentage of pesticides are found in meat and dairy products! This is because meat and dairy are higher on the food chain, and accumulate all the toxins from the rest of the cycle in their bodies. Animals bred for meat and dairy are fed all sorts of dubious things, including animal parts, fish meal, and heavily contaminated grains. They’re also raised in squalid, cramped conditions, and are therefore pumped with antibiotics and drugs to keep them ‘healthy!’ Cattle are also given sex and growth hormones to increase the amount of meat and milk they produce. While Europe has banned growth hormones, they are still widely used in the US!

Preserve local ecosystems

Organic farming is meticulously carried out in harmony with nature and the local ecosystems. Crop rotation and the preservation of the soil are high priorities, and keep the land healthy. Avoidance of chemicals leaves local ecosystems undamaged.

Protect the environment

Currently, agricultural chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides are poisoning our water, contaminating our environment, and destroying naturally fertile farmland. In fact, only 0.1% of pesticides reach the intended pests – the rest just wallow around in our environment, affecting animals, plants, the soil, and everything else! Toxic chemicals are not allowed in organic farming.

Support local farmers

Commercial foods are cheaper because they are mass-produced with environmentally irresponsible shortcuts like the use of sewage sludge as fertiliser, genetically-modified seedlings, massive doses of pesticides and herbicides, and so on. Your small local farmer works hard to sustainably grow everything from scratch, working in tandem with the environment and without toxic shortcuts to help him get by. Crop rotation means he can gain a profit from areas of his land only on alternate years. He needs to make or buy good, natural fertilisers and feed his animals a healthy diet and raise them in hygienic conditions. All this is more expensive than commercial methods, which is why organic food is more expensive. Help your local farmer keep doing what he does by buying his produce.

We think these are all pretty great reasons to go organic, and we hope you do, too!