Helpful Reasons to Go Organic

You’ve seen organic produce at the grocery store and have heard your health-conscious friends talk about organic ingredients. But if you’re like many Americans, you have probably always wondered: why go organic? 

How does eating organic impact health? Is organic farming really better for the environment? Isn’t organic stuff expensive? Will you need to shop at specialty stores? Questions like these prevent people from making a change and going organic.

Still, if you like the idea of natural, chemical-free farming techniques, you’ll probably enjoy the organic lifestyle. In this guide, you’ll learn all the key facts you’ll need to understand what makes something organic, why going organic is helpful for environmental sustainability, and how you can find organic alternatives to everyday products. 

What Is “Organic”? 

Organic farming relies solely on Earth’s natural resources: sun, soil, and water. Organic produce never gets treated with non-organic pesticides or insecticides during the growing process. Additionally, no harsh chemicals are present during any step of the process. Organic growers work to enhance their soil’s natural nutrient content through responsible growing and harvesting practices rather than using synthetic fertilizers. 

Anyone can grow organic, just so long as they stick to all-natural methods of farming. While any farmer can technically grow organic, it takes a formal certification from the USDA to qualify for an official organic designation. According to the USDA, the definition of organic is: “agricultural products that contain no less than 95 percent certified organic ingredients (excluding salt and water).”

Benefits of Organic Living

The organic movement is a symptom of the industrial farming industry, relying heavily on artificial production methods to keep up with demand while securing the most considerable profit. Industrial farming techniques rely heavily on the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides to guarantee large crop yields.

Unfortunately, this results in soil quality degradation, making it impossible to re-plant without supplementing the soil with synthetic nutrients. Organic farming produces healthy crops without taking a toll on the planet while generating better quality produce and goods, a win-win. 

Better for You

When chemical pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers get applied to growing crops, the plants inevitably absorb some of the chemicals. While eating synthetic chemicals in small amounts may have little effect on the human body, toxins can accumulate and become physically damaging over time. Think about it: if pesticides kill pests, why would they be safe to eat? Science is now showing even small amounts of these chemicals can affect gut health which is at foundation of nutrient uptake for humans. 

Organic products are free from harsh chemicals and are higher in nutritional value than goods produced in fertilizer-laden soil. Artificial fertilizers don’t have the same vital nutrients needed by plants, making it difficult for the human body to receive that nourishment. Organic products have all the nutrients without all the extra junk, so you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of whatever you eat or use. 

Better for the Planet

Farming in any form impacts the planet. But, when done carefully and with regard for Mother Earth, agriculture doesn’t have to lead to soil degradation, environmental destruction, or overuse of resources. Industrial farming techniques have a poor reputation for leaving fields of once nutrient-rich soil barren; consequently, requiring companies to use harsh chemicals to make the soil viable again. 

Organic growing techniques such as regenerative farming focus on preserving the quality of the soil by never overusing it. Regenerative farming takes the no-chemical approach one step further, relying on methods that mimic natural growing processes. For example, regenerative farmers will plant more than one type of crop since planting mono-crops can drain too much of a single nutrient from the soil. By working to preserve the soil and health of the planet, organic and regenerative farmers help secure future generations of food. 

Organic Cannabis

It isn’t just the food you eat that impacts your health – the cannabis you consume can have an impact on your body (and the planet) too! Like other types of farming, cannabis growers use various techniques to produce their crops, including chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 

As you can imagine, consuming cannabis that gets treated with synthetic chemicals may make you susceptible to the same chemicals. Synthetic chemicals can be harsh on your lungs, stomach, and overall health. In lab trials, cannabis products often test positive for heavy metals and other chemicals, primarily since little regulation over cannabis farming currently exists. 

Tips for Buying Organic

If you want to take control of your health and wellness by going organic, we’ve got a few tips to make it easy and affordable: 

1. Buy organic produce whenever possible. If you can’t find organic fruits and veggies, stick to thick-skinned produce like pineapples, sweet potatoes, citrus, and onions, since these have more protection from chemical absorption.
2. Seek out brands that have been organic from the start – they’ll offer better prices and will be more transparent about their growing practices.
3. Get your daily dose of Aloha with organic hemp and CBD products from Mana Botanics.

Final Thoughts

Going organic doesn’t have to be complicated. Thanks to tons of exciting natural brands and growing consumer demand, buying organic is now more convenient than ever before. Healthier for humans and the Earth, organic farming is a step in the right direction to secure a comfortable future for the next generation. If we do our part to support organic businesses, we can make a difference in the fight to preserve our precious planet Earth.