The differences between organic and non-organic produce can be kind of complicated and hard to understand. In short, organic foods are grown and produced using methods that do not involve synthetic (human-made) chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides. According to the article "Organic Foods: Are they safer? More nutritious?" from the MayoClinic Website, conventional methods use these to promote plant growth, reduce pests and diseases, and manage weeds. These synthetic chemicals can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Organic methods of food production, on the other hand, use natural fertilizers (like manure or compost) for plant growth, birds and insects for pest and disease reduction, and methods such as crop-rotation and tilling to manage weeds. Read the full article for a more detailed explanation.
I wish that all the food I purchase could be organic. Unfortunately I don't have the budget for that. However, I try to find the money to buy at least some organic produce on each of my shopping trips. For example, I always buy my lettuce/spinach organic. My favorite brand of organic food is Kashi. I constantly have a supply of their snack bars and cereal in my room. My family loves it as too, so it's nice to be able to go home enjoy it there as well. Check out Kashi's website to find out more about the company and the different products they offer.
A friend and I took a trip to the "Topeka Natural Food Co-op" earlier this afternoon. They sell a wide variety of local, organic, and natural food and Earth-friendly products. I've never been in a store that is strictly natural and organic. I usually just shop in the organic section at Wal-Mart or Dillon's, so it was really fun and interesting to see! They have some foods there that I didn't even know could be made organic. I decided to splurge a little and purchase some natural wild-salmon burgers. I had one tonight, and it was delicious! I'd definitely recommend making a visit if you get a chance. Check out their Facebook page for more information!
In addition, the article "Organic Foods: Understanding Organic Food Labels, Benefits, and Claims" provides a great explanation of the harmful effects of pesticides and the many benefits of organic produce. It also explains how to read organic food labels, why organic produce is more expensive, how to stay within your budget while shopping, and how to choose the "right" organic foods.
I wish that all the food I purchase could be organic. Unfortunately I don't have the budget for that. However, I try to find the money to buy at least some organic produce on each of my shopping trips. For example, I always buy my lettuce/spinach organic. My favorite brand of organic food is Kashi. I constantly have a supply of their snack bars and cereal in my room. My family loves it as too, so it's nice to be able to go home enjoy it there as well. Check out Kashi's website to find out more about the company and the different products they offer. 
A friend and I took a trip to the "Topeka Natural Food Co-op" earlier this afternoon. They sell a wide variety of local, organic, and natural food and Earth-friendly products. I've never been in a store that is strictly natural and organic. I usually just shop in the organic section at Wal-Mart or Dillon's, so it was really fun and interesting to see! They have some foods there that I didn't even know could be made organic. I decided to splurge a little and purchase some natural wild-salmon burgers. I had one tonight, and it was delicious! I'd definitely recommend making a visit if you get a chance. Check out their Facebook page for more information!
This slideshow includes some pictures that I took at the Topeka Natural Food Co-op and pictures of Kashi products and other organic produce I currently have.
Someday when I have a big time job I plan to buy more organic food. Thanks for pointing out that store. I will have to go look around in it! I also plan to go some gardening when I get older. You have really given me some ideas to try new food. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOf course! Have you been able to make it in and try it yet?
DeleteI don't know much about organic food. I grew up on a farm so we always have a garden of our own and for example this past summer we enjoyed fresh vegetables and fruits which was great. I think it's cool that you budget for what you want, so many people don't know how or just don't do it. Also very cool that you found a store strictly for organic, I can only imagine it's a better selection than what you find at the local grocery store.
ReplyDeleteBudgeting can be really hard, since organic food is so expensive! But it's definitely worth it! :)
DeleteI have never really tried organic food. Does it really taste much different from regular food?
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on what you get! For the foods that I purchase, like spinach for example, it doesn't actually taste too much different. It definitely doesn't taste any worse, which is why I try to buy it as much as possible since it is better for you! :)
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