Get involved in Organic September
Simple ways to support organic farming, seasonal food and sustainable living habits
Shauna Coates
September 22, 2022
Organic September – what is it and how can you get involved?
Soil Association created Organic September to raise awareness of the benefits of organic produce and encourage consumers to make simple changes towards more sustainable food choices.
Organic farming methods are designed to benefit people, animals and the environment. Organic farmers avoid artificial pesticides and fertilisers, instead working with natural ecosystems to maintain healthy soil and reduce pests naturally.
Organic farming also supports higher animal welfare standards, with animals kept in more natural living conditions and fed healthy diets.
Here are some simple ways you can get involved in Organic September.
Grow your own produce
Growing fruit and vegetables at home is a rewarding way to connect with where food comes from.
Choosing seasonal produce can make home growing easier, as crops are naturally suited to local weather conditions and often require less maintenance. Creating homemade compost from food peelings, eggshells, tea bags and newspaper can also help improve soil quality naturally.
If you are new to growing your own food, low-maintenance crops such as potatoes, beetroot, peas or chillies are great places to start. Even small spaces, balconies and windowsills can be used for container growing.
Look out for the organic label
Organic products are carefully inspected before they can display official organic certification labels.
Next time you shop, look out for organic options such as eggs, fruit, vegetables and dairy products. Many supermarkets now offer a wide range of organic alternatives, making it easier to swap a few everyday items for more environmentally friendly choices.
Shop local
Supporting local organic farms and independent retailers helps reduce food miles while supporting local communities and businesses.
Farm shops and organic box delivery schemes are increasingly popular and allow consumers to buy fresh, seasonal produce directly from growers. Many schemes deliver organic fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and honey straight to your door.
Eat seasonally
Eating seasonal produce can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Out-of-season produce is often imported from overseas or grown using energy-intensive methods, increasing carbon emissions. Seasonal food is usually fresher, travels shorter distances and can contain higher levels of nutrients due to reduced storage and transport times.
By making small seasonal and organic swaps, consumers can help support sustainable farming practices while reducing their environmental footprint.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Shauna Coates, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.