A lot of attention is given to growing organic, but let’s face it, not everyone has a vegetable garden at their disposal. Many of us live in apartments, condominiums, etc. Even those who own their own homes may not have a large enough yard to allow for a garden. But just because you can’t grow it, doesn’t mean you can’t eat it!
Where Can I Buy Organic Produce?
In recent years, organic fruits and vegetables have become much more abundant and readily available. I bet there’s a Farmer’s Market every weekend somewhere in your town or city. If not, I’m sure you’ve seen fruit and vegetables stands on the outskirts of town. And it has become very common for your local grocery store to have an organic section within their produce section.
Now, granted, organic produce does tend to be more expensive than mass produced, non-organically grown fruits and vegetables, but the benefits of eating organic makes the extra cost very worth it:
- The most obvious benefit to eating organic is that you’re supporting organic farming. Organic farms do not use chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Growing organic is much easier on the environment and wildlife as well. Why wouldn’t you want to support something so natural and healthy for the environment?
- Organic produce will not have traces of leftover chemicals on them, which can be harmful to your health. They will not have growth hormones in them. They are not genetically modified. Organic fruits and vegetables are all natural–you get what you paid for, and pay for what you get.
- Organic fruits and vegetables simply taste better! Genetically modified foods are produced to be bigger, more colorful, and more impressive all around. But here’s the problem: they lose their taste! Bigger is not necessarily better. Brighter, more vibrant colors don’t equal better flavor. Organic produce is juicier, crisper, sweeter, and just more nutritious.
- Studies have shown that eating organic can help you lose weight and promotes a healthier lifestyle. By switching to organic fruits an vegetables, it makes it easier to then go all organic–free range meats, organic milk and cheeses, whole wheat or multi-grain breads and pastas, etc. All natural foods don’t contain preservatives, hormones, steroids, etc. Natural foods are much better for children and growing teenagers, and by feeding yourself and your family healthy foods, you are promoting a healthy lifestyle.
But Can I Really Afford To Go Organic?
The concept of “The Market” factors in to the cost of organic food. 10 years ago, for example, it was difficult to find organically grown foods in your local grocery store, and therefore, when you could find them, they were expensive!
Now, because it is so much easier to find organic foods, the prices have dropped and eating organic is much more manageable. It is very easy and not that much more expensive to buy and eat organic. In the long run, the benefits will outweigh any financial hesitations you may have. I encourage you to start today, and if you already live this lifestyle, keep it up! Until next time, take care and happy gardening!