People who want to live organic are often afraid that doing so will blow their budgets. Not necessarily; there are ways and means to go organic without going bankrupt!
Organic or not?
Organics is all about producing food and other goods that work in harmony with and not against nature. The use of harmful chemicals and pesticides are eradicated because organic farmers make effective use of nature’s natural resources to kill pests. Keeping harmful chemicals off the land and out of the soil also helps protect water sources and wild life.
Certified organic products are also not allowed to contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs), that is, organisms that have had their basic gene structure modified by the addition of external organism genes. There is increasing evidence of GMOs creating environmental and health risks.
In addition, organic farmers also practise good animal welfare and the breeding, rearing, handling and feeding of animals is strictly regulated and a free range lifestyle implemented.
Organic food usually costs more than standard grocery store fare but with a little bit of planning and organisation you can offset some of the extra costs and still live organic on a tight budget.
Start small
Replace a few items a week with organics or organically grown items.
Buy direct
Some farmers use organic farming practices but choose not to become certified organic farmers because of the added red tape and expenses. For example, you can buy organic fruits and veggies from these farmers for far less than what certified farmers charge.
South Africa is home to some of the world’s finest organic food markets offering an astounding array of high-quality fruit and vegetables often sold by the farmers themselves and at reasonable prices.
Buy online
Buy direct from online suppliers. Many also have great loyalty programmes so every time you shop or recommend friends you get points to discount against your next order.
Buy online from specified farmers that market and deliver their own fresh produce straight from the farm to your door.
Buy in bulk
Save money on grains and legumes by buying in bulk. These are products that you should really try to buy in organic form.
Make your own
Processed food products are understandably more expensive than their conventional equivalents and more expensive than the sum of their individual parts. So, why not try your hand at making your own organic food and even household cleaning products?
Grow your own
Start your own vegetable garden. Use your kitchen waste to make organic compost and grow your favourite veggies and herbs in your backyard or in containers or even on a sunny window sill.
Sources
Groover-Christmus, G. 2015. Seven ways to save money on organic food. Retrieved from: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gaye-groover-christmus/7-ways-to-save-money-on-organic-food_b_8441008.html
Living well with organics. Retrieved from: http://www.go-organic.co.za/info.asp
Livingston, A. Eight ways to buy natural organic food on a budget. Retrieved from: http://www.moneycrashers.com/how-to-eat-organic-on-a-budget/
Mercola, J. 2016. Which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticides? Retrieved from: htp://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/04/27/pesticides-fruits-vegetables.aspx
Peake, N. 2012. Organic lifestyle the thrifty way. Retrieved from: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/organic-lifestyle-the-thrifty-way.html