Organic means working with nature, with higher levels of animal welfare, lower levels of pesticides, no artificial fertilisers or manufactured herbicides and more environmentally sustainable management of the land and natural environment, which in turn means more wildlife.
Whatever it is you buy, from cotton wool to potatoes- when you choose organic food, drink, beauty products, textiles etc you’re choosing products that promote a better world. An important thing to understand is that organic food comes from trusted sources, as all organic farms and food companies are inspected at least once a year and the standards for organic food are laid down in European law. Below there is a brief summary of what Organic actually means:
Fewer pesticides: Almost 300 pesticides can be used routinely in non-organic farming meaning they are often present in non-organic food.
No artificial colours & preservatives: Hydrogenated fats and controversial artificial food colours and preservatives are banned under organic standards.
Always free range: Organic means, the very highest standards of animal welfare and animals reared without the routine use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers.
No routine use of antibiotics: In organic farming, animals are reared without the use of drugs, antibiotics, and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.
Better for wildlife: Organic farms are havens for wildlife, and provide homes for bees, birds, and butterflies- there is upto 50% more wildlife on organic farms!
Better for the planet: No system of farming does more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and protect natural resources.
It’s nutritionally different: Research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found significant differences between organic and non-organic farming.
No GM ingredients: No genetically modified ingredients.
[Taken from The Soil Association ]
