Does buying local, organic food really make a difference? Absolutely! Here are just a few reasons why you should try to buy local and organically grown food whenever possible. If you need help trying to locate local growers, farmer’s markets, and organic markets, try using websites like www.localharvest.org to search for nearby sources of organic food.
Location
In your grocery market you may notice one set of produce marked “organic”. Do these foods support sustainability and eco-friendly practices? Not necessarily. If the “organic” produce was grown in a distant farm and shipped through supply chains to your store, then it has probably consumed more energy and helped spread more emissions than any locally grown food, even if it comes without pesticides. Try for the winning match of both organic and locally grown!
Health
Of course organic foods are healthier! They come naturally grown and without any dangerous hormone treatments or unhealthy pesticides. There is no genetic modifications that can cause unwanted side effects or threaten local ecologies. It is also much easier to ensure that local produce meets true organic standards, too, so the label “organic” is generally more dependable on foods grown in your area. Plus, they hardly take any time at all to ship, so your food tends to be fresher and better-tasting.
This sign is the best of both worlds!
Economy
There’s nothing like supporting small local businesses, especially in these more trying economic times. Local producers work hard to grow their food organically, and they should be supported in their endeavors. Whatever money you spend buying local food will stay in your town or city, supporting local growth and development. Local farms also tend to spend your money in wiser and more eco-friendly ways than large suppliers.
Fair Trade-The FLO (Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International) is the worldwide fair-trade setting standard and certification organization. Buying fair trade is an important as it condones fair labor conditions, environmental sustainability and community development.
Carbon Neutral-Carbon Neutral Clothing works with clothing wholesalers in existing supply chains to estimate the environmental impact of the cost of clothing manufacturing and provides an equivalent offset, thus, rendering the clothing carbon neutral.
EU Eco-label-Administered by the European Eco-labeling board (EUEB) with the support of the European commission, this flower label indicates a product or service has met certain criteria and is considered more environmentally friendly and complies with strict ecological and performance criteria.
Agriculture Biologique-Products may qualify for this label if they contain more than 95% organic components, were produced or processed in the EU, and were certified by an independent inspection body.
1% for the Planet-Inspiring members of the business community to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups, this organization strives for businesses, consumers and nonprofits to connect through philanthropy. 1% sells backpacks, hammocks and hoodies, among other items.
Sustainable Farming Labels-Farming that utilizes sustainable practices and rotate crops and animals to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks; chemical pesticides are often not used at all.
Grass-Fed-Grass fed beef is more nutritious, more humane, less wasteful and even better tasting. Grass fed beef is lower in fat an calories, rich in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid-which reduces the risk of cancer and obesity), high in Omega 3’s and high in Vitamin E. The Standard states that grass or forage shall be the feed source for the lifetime of the ruminant animal, with the exception of milk.
Soil Certification Limited-Founded by a group of scientists, farmers and nutritionists, the Soil Association is the UK’s leading organic organization and aim to promote and certify strict organic standards related to food, farming and product-manufacturing processes. They certify over 80% of organic food sold in the UK.
Cage-free-Birds are supposed to be raised without cages but not necessarily outdoors, this is not always the case and there is not a limit to the numbers. Certified Humane labels is the only way to be sure these birds are without cages and allowed to perform natural behaviors.
