WHY SHOULD I BUY ORGANIC?

VS

Hi everyone,

Sorry it’s been so long between posts. I have recently moved house and it has taken me some time to get organised.

I am currently in the process of setting up an organic fruit and veg co-op as there are no shops where I live that sell organic produce.  I am starting with wholesale organic fruit and veg and then I am going to expand into, groceries, dry goods, personal care and household products.  My vision is to replace the need for a supermarket.  I am going to source certified organic, minimally packaged, ethically produced, non-genetically modified and affordable products.  If any of you have been involved in a co-op I would love to hear your experiences.

So why should you choose organic?

Five Benefits of Choosing Certified Organic:

Good for the soil

•        Organic systems ensure understanding of ecology and soil science, while also depending on traditional methods of crop rotations to ensure fertility and weed and pest control.

Good for the environment

•        Organic systems aim to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources. Organic production aims at all times towards sustainability whilst having best management of the environment and wildlife as a priority.

Good for people

•        Organic based ingredients have been shown in a number of studies to contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients.

No synthetic chemicals

•        Organic systems prohibit the use of artificial chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers.

No GMO's

•        Certified Organic products are produced without GMOs, which are prohibited in the standards for organic food and farming.

How do I know if I am really buying organic?

•        There are no rules on the terms natural or organic on product labels and even though products may contain natural or organic ingredients, they can still contain harmful cancer causing chemicals.

•        Manufacturers are using these words just to grab a share of your hard earned cash.

•        Make sure you look for these logos – it is your independent 3rd party guarantee.

A good place to start when initially buying organic fruit and veg is to replace those that are most contaminated with chemicals and pesticides.  Have a look at this list from the Environmental Working Group to help you reduce the amount of harmful chemicals you are putting in your body:

Here is an inspiring young man who had been fortunate enough to learn the truth about where his food really comes from at a very young age. 

Healthy Banana Oat Slice

3 large ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup coconut oil
2 cups rolled oats
2/3 cup almond meal
1/3 cup finely shredded coconut
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sultanas
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup rice milk

1.         Preheat oven to 175C

2.         In a large bowl combine bananas, vanilla, coconut oil and milk

3.         In another bowl combine oats, almond meal, shredded coconut cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and sultanas

4.         Add dry to wet ingredients

5.         The dough is a bit loose, this is OK

6.         Either place cookie size portions onto baking paper/tray or just spread whole mixture into small baking tray

7.         Bake 12 – 14 mins

I usually put into a baking tray and cut into slices.  I found that cooking this slice in a baking tray takes a bit longer.  After 14 mins, check every 5 mins until ready.

To make this recipe Gluten/Oat Free:

Instead of using oats, replace these with almond meal (so 2 cups plus 2/3 cups almond meal altogether).  You will not need the rice milk when just using almond meal.