Want to start living organically but not sure where to begin? Here’s a few easy ways you can start living a more organic lifestyle today!
What does it mean to live Organically?
Eating organic food is usually the first thing people think of when they imagine an organic lifestyle, but there are many more aspects to living organically. An organic lifestyle can extend to your garden, clothes, beauty regime and even your home. The organic mindset is not just about making the right choice, it’s about making the best choice possible.
Why should I live organically?
Living organically is an all-round healthier lifestyle choice. By reducing the number of synthetic chemicals and preservatives in your food, personal care and your home, you’re giving your body the best chance it can get.
It’s also better for nature. Organic farming practices promote soil health, maintain and protect natural resources and are against the use of routine antibiotics, synthetic chemicals and pesticides. Organic farming means working with nature, while protecting the animals, plants and people involved
Where can I start?
The best way to start living organically is to make small changes – take things one step at a time.
Start by gradually replacing conventional products with organic alternatives. The next time you run out of pasta, switch to organic. If your moisturiser is running low, start looking for an organic alternative. Fresh produce, store cupboard staples and skincare are a great place to start and are normally the easiest items to switch.
You can also begin by doing some research. Start with your local supermarket. Organic products aren’t just found in the healthy living aisle. Before you know it, you’ll start to spot organic products dotted throughout the shelves.
Remember to always check the label to make sure that what you’re buying is truly organic. Certification logos such as the ‘Bud’ means that the product is certified organic – your assurance that it has been through rigorous testing and adheres to an organic standard.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to change everything at once. Start by making small changes, do your research on product labels and learn as much as you can about what it means to live organically. You’ll become a pro in no time!
Organic Gardening
Organic gardening takes the principles of organic farming and applies them on a smaller scale. Whether you’re growing your food, or simply want to enjoy the bounty of nature, organic gardening means growing plants without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers – for which there are many natural and organic alternatives available.
Using organic gardening methods can assist with the prevention of topsoil loss and soil contamination, protects and promotes natural wildlife and eliminates any synthetic chemical residue on any food that you grow. You’ll also enjoy year round produce, and save money too!
You can use a number of organic manures and nutrients to improve the fertility of your soil, unlike traditional chemical soils treatments which can eventually find their way into your body via food and can harm the micro-organisms that inhabit the soil.
Start by replacing your products with organic alternatives, sourcing organic seeds or seedlings, try making your own organic compost and research natural pest prevention methods.
Organic Food
While fresh fruit and vegetables continue to be the most purchased organic food and the highest entry category for those starting an organic lifestyle, overall demand for organic food is growing at a rate of 20% year on year.
The easiest way to transition to an organic diet is by switching just a few of your items to their organic counterparts. Start out small. Swap your fruit and veggies, or your herbs and spices. Organic products and ingredients are available in a multitude of stores – from supermarkets and health food shops, to home delivery services and online independents. You can also support your local producers by visiting your nearest organic farmers’ market or farm-gate shop – it’s also the best way to ensure you’re getting the freshest, in-season produce, while reducing your carbon footprint.
If we continue to increase the demand for more organic food, we’re continuing to support our farmers and growers to promote a more sustainable way forward for our planet.
Organic Fashion
Organic clothing brands are on the rise as awareness grows around how garments are made and how they are sourced. Australians are shifting away from mass-produced garments and destructive manufacturing processes, as more of the population understand the benefits of organic and are choosing to support organic brands.
Organic clothing is made from materials grown in compliance with organic agricultural standards, without the use of harsh synthetic chemicals in the processing of fibres and manufacturing of the garments. Organic farming methods also protect the surrounding eco-system by maintaining natural resources.
For example, certified organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or GMO’s, with fair-trade practices in place to support growers and workers who are too often exploited in the industry.
Organic Beauty
We know the benefits of eating an organic diet, so why wouldn’t you apply this same thinking to your skincare and beauty regime? Your skin is your body’s biggest organ after all!
Swapping conventional products for certified organic alternatives means you’re choosing to put less harmful ingredients on your skin. Your skin is like a big sponge, easily absorbing chemicals and pollutants while trying to protect our bodies on the inside.
By choosing certified organic skincare products you are choosing to put minimal harmful ingredients on your skin along with protecting your skin for the future. Chances are you are also supporting often small scale certified organic businesses.
We understand that Certified Organic products are often more expensive as they are generally made in smaller batches, shorter runs and have a shorter shelf life. That’s all good news for your skin because you will have the benefit of beautiful fresh creams, serums and masks that haven’t been sitting in a huge warehouse for years before they are applied to your skin.
The reality is that if we all do our part in purchasing Certified Organic products, whether that is in your food, drinks, skin & beauty care, the organic industry will grow and prices will become more competitive.
The more we invest in the certified organic industry, whether it’s buying organic products or supporting local organic producers, the industry will grow in both size and strength. For us, this means more choice will become available, products will be easier to access and we’ll begin to see more competitive prices. Sounds good to us!
Want to learn more? Join the Bud Organic Club today. It’s absolutely free! Learn more here.
