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Why Organic?
One of the main requirements in order to achieve organic status is the
minimal use of artificial chemical pesticides and fertilisers, which
can provide short term gain to the long term detriment of the
environment by causing harmful substances to enter the soil and
waterways. In addition, organic livestock must not routinely
be given drugs and are kept in a free range environment with a natural
diet.
It is generally agreed that these requirements provide a number of
benefits including a more positive environmental impact, better animal
welfare and higher levels of food safety as chemicals banned include
those linked to asthma and heart disease.
Benefits
From the
point of view of the consumer, there are also further benefits in terms
of the nutritional value of the food. Organic food is
considered to contain on average 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes
and other nutrients than intensively farmed produce and genetic
modifications are banned.
Costs
Unfortunately organic food is
often more expensive than intensively farmed produce, but these costs
are coming more in line. It is worth looking into local
delivery schemes, as these often offer good value for money.
In addition to food, there is also a wide range of other organic
products on the market, including cotton, beauty products and
gifts. Non-organically produced cotton, for example, can have
terrible health consequences for the farm workers, so it is worth
looking into organic alternatives.
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If you are looking to buy organic food or other products, it is
important to check for a certification mark from an organisation such
as the Soil Association. Descriptions such as
‘natural’, for example, have no legal restrictions,
so a certification mark is the only way to be sure that the products
you buy meet the tough guidelines these organisations have.
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