Although many want to limit the harmful chemicals they consume, organic alternatives can often be more difficult and costly than their conventional counterparts.
Thank goodness there are ways to switch. Products containing at least 70% organic ingredients may use the “made with organic” label and carry an organic seal.
Cost
Organic products tend to cost more than those grown using conventional methods due to higher labor costs and production volume limitations for individual farmers. Post-harvest handling also adds extra costs associated with organic food.
Good news is that organic eating can still fit within your grocery budget. One way you can do this is by choosing fruits and vegetables that don’t require pesticides for growth such as bananas or avocados; or buy in season when prices are more affordable.
Concern about animal treatment should always be an element in purchasing meat and dairy. Conventional farms frequently utilize hormones and antibiotics in animal feed, which can then transfer over to people eating their product. Organic producers must adhere to stringent soil quality and animal-raising practices which contributes to higher costs when producing organic goods.
Environmental Impact
OTA strives to promote and protect organic with one voice, uniting members from farm to marketplace – from farmers, processors, certifiers, farming associations, distributors, retailers and consumers – to providing research, education and outreach in support of organic foods and farming practices.
Conventional farms use an assortment of synthetic pesticides that often leave residues on crops or end up in nearby water and air sources. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set standards regarding levels of residue permitted on fruits and vegetables, some chemicals absorbed through skin contact can still cause health concerns when consumed in large amounts.
Studies have generally concluded that organic production is less damaging to the environment than its conventional counterpart, such as reduced nutrient leaching from organic soil. However, such findings should be carefully considered due to limited data that does not always account for confounding factors.
Health Benefits
Studies have demonstrated that organic products contain higher concentrations of certain vitamins and nutrients; however, it remains difficult to ascertain if these differences have an impact on health. For example, some research indicates organic apples possess more antioxidants or marionberries more vitamin C.
At its core, food label reading should be taken seriously. Products marked “organic” tend to contain less chemicals or pesticides; washing vegetables and fruit may help remove some chemical traces but this cannot guarantee total success.
One way to save money when buying organic food is to focus on seasonal purchases rather than purchasing the “dirty dozen,” fruits and vegetables that contain the most pesticides. Another strategy for cutting costs on organic purchases would be prioritizing these purchases by buying only those products you use frequently – for instance lettuce in summer and root veggies in winter – instead of throwing away food that would provide better value in nonorganic form.
Skin Care
Natural and organic skincare products contain higher concentrations of skin-boosting vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than their chemical-laden counterparts, helping your complexion stay looking its best without irritating or harming it in any way.
A product labeled as organic means that at least 95% of its ingredients are certified organic. This includes any extracts, oils and natural components of the product as well as animal-derived elements like honey or beeswax; additionally it stipulates that farmers only use non-toxic pesticides and fertilizers.
Organic beauty brands also support communities by working with small-scale and sustainable farms in developing nations, from providing training courses to aiding with building schools and hospitals. That is one of the main reasons they can provide cleaner products at lower costs than their conventional counterparts – some consumers even report significant savings after making this switch!
