It’s organic September!
Understanding organic is not always an easy task, but during this Organic September, the Soil Association are guiding us through lovely recipes, how to shop organic, why go organic and events you can get involved in all month.
What does organic mean?
Organic means higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides and a more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment - this ultimately means more wildlife.
Organic September was set up to celebrate farmer and producers who work extremely hard to grow fruit, vegetables and a range of other everyday products and by making small changes in your shopping, you can not only help to protect the wildlife by reducing harmful pesticides, you’ll be supporting the farmers who grow our food.
Helen Browning, Soil Association Chief Executive said “With wildlife in decline over the last half century, Organic September is a fantastic opportunity to let people know why organic farming is more important than ever. With each small change we make – like choosing organic milk or butter, or switching to organic eggs, we are helping secure a better future for animal welfare, our bees and other pollinators, and of course, our neglected soils.”
Even small changes make a big difference so why not start by:
- Switching to organic milk
- Eating less, but better organic meat
- Switching to organic beauty
- Signing up to an organic veg box
- Brewing an organic tea or coffee
Learn more about what difference these little changes can have here.
How to shop organic on a budget
Tom Hunt, founder of Forgotten Feast, an acclaimed eco-chef and author has produced a handy guide to help you shop for organic without breaking the bank.
- Grow your own - even if you only have a windowsill you’ll be amazed at the herbs and vegetables you can grow.
- Eat less meat – buying organic meat can be expensive but try shopping for cheaper cuts of organic meat like shoulder or belly.
- Reduce waste – consider what food you’ve already got before you go shopping for more, the average household wastes 20-30% of their food due to over ordering or poor storage.
- Buy in bulk – buying items in bulk is often better value for money.
- Buy seasonal – products are cheaper when they are in season, mainly because they haven’t been shipped across the world.
- Cook from scratch – convenience foods are often more expensive and by cooking from scratch you can make extra portions to use in the future.
Discover more of Tom’s tips for going organic on a budget here.
Find the best recipes
If you’re looking to create an organic feast there’s a whole range of recipes available from guest foodies, everything from tasty jams to Turkish flatbreads.
"As a baker I am slightly obsessed with the things that go on my bread. For me it has to be the very best butter, the most delicious cheese or the fruitiest, loveliest of jams. There are a few good commercial jams, but homemade is still undoubtedly the best. If you are lucky enough to have space in your garden, then a blackcurrant bush will give you sustainable fruit to make jam with.” Vanessa Kimble, author of Food for Thought.
Indulge in new inspired recipes here.
Choosing organic doesn’t have to just be restricted to your food & beauty products, you can now even go on organic holidays!
Look out for the Soil association logo for food, health, beauty and textile products that have been produced to the highest possible environmental standards.
Join the conversation #OrganicSeptember.
