Apr
24
If you've shopped for organic products before, you know that they can cost quite a bit more than non-organic items. So, why should you consider purchasing these more expensive products? What are the benefits of purchasing organic over non-organic?
Environment
- Cleaner Water: With organic farming, there are no pesticides to leak into the water, potentially contaminating our drinking water.
- Cleaner Air: Conventional farming requires chemicals to be sprayed, left to linger in the air for people and animals to be breathe.
- Soil Erosion Prevention: In organic farming, the soil is built up with organic material, such as compost, which helps to enrich the ground and prevent erosion. Enriched soil also means more nutrient rich foods
- Reduce Pesticide Reliance: Pesticides may kill off some pests, but, just as with antibiotics in people, pests can develop a resistance towards pesticides. This makes the use of increasingly stronger pesticides necessary to continuously kill off the pests. With stronger and stronger pesticides, the risk to the humans and animals becomes increasingly greater. Organic farming can help put a stop to the vicious cycle.
Animals
- No Growth Hormones or Antibiotics: Animals that are raised organically are not given growth hormones or antibiotics, so you will not have to worry about these chemicals being passed from your meat into your body.
- Humane Treatment: Organically raised animals live under much more strict guidelines, allowing them to live under better conditions than those not organically raised. I will not go into detail about these conditions, but it's enough to say that they cane be very, very poor.
- Organic Feed: Organically raised animals are, of course, feed organic only. This ensures no build up of pesticides in the animal, and no pesticides being passed onto you. Non-organically raised cows may be feed ground up remains of their own kind, which can spread bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease. Contaminated beef can cause Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease in humans, which is fatal. Organically raised cows are not feed animal remains.
Helping Farmers, Workers, and Their Families
- Protecting Their Health: The daily exposure to chemicals used in conventional farming can increase a farm worker's risk of developing cancer.
- Support Small Farms: Most organic farms are small, family-owned and run businesses. Purchasing organic can help ensure family survival.
Health Reasons
- Chemical Free Food: Although there is conflicting research on the subject of whether or not organic foods are healthier, eating non-organic foods have not been proven to be completely safe. These items contain no more than an approved amount of chemicals, but no one knows how dangerous ingesting the chemicals in combination from multiple food sources can be, or the long-term effects of these chemicals on our bodies.
- Clean Air and Water: As mentioned before, organic farming does not rely on harmful chemicals that can pollute our water and air, so we can breathe more freely and drink with less concern.
And As A Bonus
- Taste!: If the above reasons aren't enough to convince you to at least try organic, consider the benefits for your taste buds! From personal experience, I can tell you that organic foods taste just as good, if not better than their non-organic counterparts. No sacrificing flavor!
The above reasons for purchasing organic also apply to non-food organic items, as well. Wearing organic clothing and makeup will eliminate the harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin, and purchasing organic products for your home can make it a healthier place to live.
September 8th, 2008 at 6:43 am
You have the point here, Stefanie. For those users that have allergy to the pesticides, they should and must buy the organic foods, as if they don't, it will put their life in great danger for consume the foods that containing the pesticides!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I've never actually met someone with an allergy to pesticides, but I'm sure they're out there!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Hi there,
Great post, and I have read recently that eating meat treated with antibiotics is contributing greatly to antibiotic resistance, as well as antibiotic allergies in humans.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Heidi, that's true. It also applies to over-prescription of antibiotics.
October 22nd, 2008 at 3:59 am
Organic food may be expensive but noting all those benefits in buying them, then organic food it should be then.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Great post. I will definitely spread this information because I couldn't agree more whole heartedly!
November 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
[...] Apparently, more and more farmers are getting cancer! (Source) [...]
January 23rd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
I have to say yes that organic is more costly but in the long run I do believe it is better for our health for the future. I think that farmers might just also take more time to give a better produce also the consumer being they have to watch everything better. I’m passing your blog all around to my friends and family hoping that they too will sway towards buying more organic produce and meats in the future! This is a great post and I hope I help sway people to go organic also!
March 10th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Good post. Organic is costly but it is chemical free food and it is 100% organic ingredient. Thanks for information.
March 16th, 2009 at 10:41 am
[...] Focus Organic – Why Buy Organic - Although this is a blog article from last year, it really explains in detail why you should buy and eat organic foods. It’s a great article and very in depth and helpful! [...]
March 19th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
[...] to Us Why Buy Organic? Understand Organic Labels Buying Organic Produce 4 Non-toxic Cleaning Products Creating a [...]
March 19th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
that's a strong list of advantages to organics. But, my favorite is the last one. The taste between organic and gmo fruits/veggies are wildly different.
It's also important to note that if you can buy locally-grown, organic foods... that would be your best bet. Not only is it healthier for you, it's also healthier for the planet.
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:02 am
The essence of going green and going organic is like taking care of our environment and our planet earth as a whole. Organic foods can be nurtured in our own background, therefore its not costly although it takes a lot of sweat to achieve the good result. At least, we care for our own health while taking care of the environment too.
April 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Baby should also be taking organic food because toxins are easily absorbed into the digestive system of a baby and stay in their systems longer compared to a normal adult. Although it is expensive, I believe it is worth the price for the health benefits that it will give us.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
soap nuts, you're right, if you can purchase local, it's a HUGE bonus!
It can be expensive, but like Compare Term Life said, you can grow your own for very little.
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I am originally from Eastern Europe and I grew up on organic food. When I came to the United States I gained 20 lb (without overeating!)and my stomach was bothering me a lot. I had no idea about preservatives and chemicals and could not understand where all the weight and pain came from.
Then I went back to Europe over the Summer and even though I ate like a pig (my grandmother is a GREAT cook:-)), I lost weight.
I started doing research and was shocked to find out about all the chemicals in food. I just don't feel comfortable eating bread with 35 ingredients, most of which I cannot pronounce. I also don't feel comfortable eating an apple which can last 4 months without refrigerator.
I have 2 small kids now and we try to buy only organic products. Actually, it is not that expensive if you know where and how to shop for it:
http://www.organicbenefits.straightanswers.net/1-organic-on-a-budget.html
I am glad to see people who understand the importance of organic, because most of my friends roll eyes and think I am crazy.
June 19th, 2009 at 1:00 am
Excellent tips and points. We all need to start eating healthier and using eco and animal friendly products that nourish us rather than poison us.
June 29th, 2009 at 8:58 am
Last year I have decided to change my lifestyle - to have a healthier one and this is how I found out what organic means! I really try to be as organic as possible, but the prices for the time being are quite high. Unfortunately people don't understand the god of it but the profit from it.
Be organic and feel organic1
July 4th, 2009 at 4:03 am
I've been reading quite a bit about the slow food movement that started in Italy. Much of what you talk about on this blog is consistent with that philosophy.
July 8th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I read recently that theres like 2000 toxins in our water, but the water purification plants only need to test for 6. So definetly if going organic means that our drinking water will be that little bit safer im definetly all for it.
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:57 am
Its pretty obvious. As an advocate of only toxic-free, preservative-free and organically grown food, I find your post really helpful. As a matter of fact, I garnered additional ideas here. Great info and easily understood.
July 30th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I just got wind of an outrageous article that claims organic food is no healthier....I'm so outraged that I'm blogging about it right now and may quote some of the reasons organics rock. I will link to you, of course and would love your feedback on this wicked (bad) article!
My article is still being written but should be done within 24 hours....
Thanks for this great post!
August 6th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
The mere fact that eating organic food is better for our health and the environment is undisputed. My question is how do you actually know that you are purchasing organic food?
When you go to the supermarket, you see the choice fruits or meet products listed under regular section. In the organic section, most of the product seems to be of a lower quality, yet with a higher price tag. Under normal circumstances, most people would avoid buying products that look inferior, but then you label the lower quality item as organic and the price goes higher than the regular item. This may be a marketing strategy to sell the less quality products. Bodybuilders and other athletes have been getting away with taking steroids and other drugs, even thought there are random tests; food marketers could also deploy similar strategies?
August 18th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
When I go to the store our family always try to buy organic, but lately it seem they put the organic on the product just to boost up the price. To combat this latest craze we have been shopping exclusive at the local farmers markets. Great way to get organic foods.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Home Remodeling, organic sometimes doesn't look as appealing as conventional because steps are taken to purposely make the conventional look good - usually unnecessary steps. Waxing the fruit to make it shinier, for example. Most people don't understand this, and just go for what looks better, whether or not it actually IS better.
gourmet recipes, farmer's markets are wonderful ways to save money, and the benefit is that the food you get there is local!
August 25th, 2009 at 10:20 am
I would hope people would prefer to eat something that was not tampered with and gave you its full benefits. I agree that supermarkets do add on money to the price because of the organic label. We should support our local farms and in turn buy food which is so much better for us.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I've been sensitive to chemicals in foods for years. I feel a lot healthier if I eat organic food. I think chemicals in food may be the cause of many health problems like allergies. The only problem is here in the UK it has got really expensive since the credit crunch.
August 26th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
[...] out this “Why Buy Organic” article to read more reasons to choose organic produce over [...]
September 4th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Excellent post Stefanie. I really wasn't aware of all the benefits of organically grown produce. But I think there are two main reasons most people don't buy organic.
First, like me, they are unaware of the benefits in comparison.
Secondly, and probably more importantly, as you state they are more expensive.
[So, why should you consider purchasing these more expensive products?]
In these hard economic times Im looking for a bargain when grocery shopping while still trying to get some value for my dollar.
Organic aside, up until a few months ago I could spend $150 or slightly less and have an over loaded shopping cart.
Now Im lucky to keep it under $150 for 3/4 full shopping cart. I can't imagine what my cost would be if I tried going all organic.
I will keep your info in mind next time Im in produce section. Sometimes we have to bite the bullet and pay a little more to have a lasting healthier impact.
Thanks for the informative post.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Why do I buy them? Because they're cheap. At least they're cheap at my country (Vietnam)
September 15th, 2009 at 3:20 am
Good list of benefits of going organic. In general I agree on taste grounds though I have had examples of not so tasty organic food. I was more interested in the 'Soil Erosion Prevention' argument - that was one I had not heard before.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:39 am
I just recently found some great organic soy burgers that tasted as good if not better than real burgers. its my first step in venturing into the organic world.
I do find organic is higher priced but the health benefits should should be much more cost effective going the organic route.
October 12th, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I respectfully disagree the buying organic products is important because some of the organic products you buy at the store have just been washed well before the test so the company's can make more money with less risk of losing crops.
October 13th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
I respectfully disagree that people need to eat only organic products because people expose them selves to so many toxins every day that the amount you get from your food is minuscule
October 15th, 2009 at 11:49 pm
invisalign maryland said:
I understand your concern, but it doesn't matter whether or not the products have been washed, they will still test positive for chemicals if they are grown with chemicals. The tests done on food for chemical residue is done after the food has been washed - chemicals seep into the food as well as cover the surface, so there's no hiding it if it's there.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:31 am
I used to have allergy to milk and than to chemical in vegetables, so someone told me about organic ones and the problems disappeared completely. It's a petty that it's still expensive in Brazil.
October 16th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
I found your write up interesting and intriguing. I try to live by the golden rule of everything in moderation. taking even a good thing to extreme can prove to be detrimental in the long run.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I think it is important to note that organic is not some sort of above and beyond food source. Everything use to be organic before conventional farming. We evolved off of organic foods. In reality, it is the fact that our food supply has become so poor in quality and full of synthetic toxic chemicals. That isn't the way we were meant to eat.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:34 am
cosmetic dentist dc said:
I have to disagree. Farming chemicals are a significant source of toxins to your body. But your comment is like saying that it doesn't matter if you drink a little more poison if you are already drinking it daily. For many people, that is enough to put them over the edge.
November 17th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Last comment... Some people are questioning the cost of organic foods but I have found many sources where they are the same price or cheaper than conventional counterparts. Support your local organic movement by being part of a CSA. Shop at farmer's markets. Find a local food co-op. I eat all organic and for half the price of shopping at a health food store.
December 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Although there has been debates about organic farming and organic food in many parts of the world, I personally support the organic farming and cultivation of organic foods. There may be minor negatives, but I think the positives well outweigh the negatives.
December 30th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I like the breakdown, i think buying organic is just the same as buying non organic products, you need to shop around to get a good deal, the sometimes slight comparable expence is worth it
January 4th, 2010 at 2:50 am
I think that the cost of organic products is way too high and the government should sponsor some of it
January 11th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I love your points to buying organic. The only problem is a lot of major companies are buying out these small farms so the money is not going to support small farmers as much. I guess either way it is a lot healthier to eat organic.
January 12th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
not only do the pesticides get passed on to the consumer with non-organic items but with crops like cotton, the farmers get severely ill from the chemicals they are using unless they grow organic cotton crops. also, if cotton farmers went completely organic it would reduce all the pesticides used in the world by about 25%.
January 13th, 2010 at 3:10 am
Recently I've watched a documentaries on the used of pesticides in Japan. Apparently the crop's farmer and the living community near the farm are badly contaminated by those harmful chemicals. Ultimately those Pesticides sprayed by aircraft.
Moving to organic farming I guess is a big risk for growers, just like when they use pesticides they are ensured with harvests.