Organic September
Shauna Coates
September 20, 2022
Organic September – What is it and what can you do to get involved?
Organic September is a campaign by the Soil Association to raise awareness of the benefits of organic produce and encourage consumers to make simple switches to consume more organic products.
Organic produce is farmed using methods that benefit people, animals, and the environment. Organic farmers don’t use artificial pesticides or fertiliser. Instead, they rely on the natural balance between plants and animals, encouraging beetles and ladybirds onto their farms to get rid of pests and use clover and animal manure in the soil to keep it fertile. Animals used for organic farming live in spacious conditions, in small herds that mimic natural behaviour and are fed a healthy diet to ensure they have the highest standards of welfare possible.
Now you are aware that buying and eating organic food is better for people, planet and animals, find out how to get involved in Organic September?
Grow at home
Growing your own vegetables is very rewarding and connects you and your family to where food comes from. Make sure you grow food that is in season as this will reduce the maintenance needed and your crops will be less likely to suffer from disease or pests. Create your own compost from household items such as teabags, food peelings, newspapers, and eggshells to ensure your soil is nutrient rich and can support the growth of your fruit and veg. If you are a first-time home-grower, try starting with produce that requires very little maintenance, such as potatoes or beetroot. If you are stuck for space, some produce, like chillies and peas, can be grown in containers left on windowsills. Check out Gardener’s world for top tips on growing for beginners.
Look out for the organic label
Organic farms are rigorously inspected before their produce is allowed to display the organic label. Next time you go shopping, look out for this label on items such as eggs, to see if you could make a quick swap from your usual brand to organic. You will find that your local supermarket has organic ranges for most of the products you buy, so swapping an item here or there for organic is an easy way to get involved and better support people, planet, and animals.
Shop local
Supporting your local organic farmers is another easy way you can get involved in Organic September. Visiting a local organic farm shop allows you to buy fresh produce, reduces your food mileage and helps boost the local economy. You can even get fresh and local organic produce delivered straight to your door via organic box delivery schemes. Available nationwide, these schemes pack a box full of organic fruit, veg, meat, eggs and honey and deliver it to your door. Check out the Soil Association’s locator to find your nearest scheme.
Change with the seasons
Change with the seasons
Eating produce that is in season reduces air miles and the use of artificial pesticides and fertilisers. Importing out of season produce emits significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. By eating seasonally, you are reducing your carbon footprint. Seasonal produce is also fresher and packed with more nutrients as they have had a shorter journey from harvest to plate.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog represent those of the author, Shauna Coates, and are not those of recycle-more, Valpak Limited or any other organisation.
