Go Organic for Organic September!

This month is Organic September, which means we’re celebrating all things organic – whether it be skincare, supplements, clothing, or food produce. But what is organic, and is it any better than non-organic? Read on to find out more!

What is ‘Organic’? 

In short, ‘Organic’ is a system of farming and food production. Organic farmers and food producers must abide by set standards to make sure that their farms sustain the health of soil, ecosystems, animals and people. To be labelled as ‘organic’, a farm must be certified – so all organic farms must be inspected by certain certification bodies to make sure that they meet those strict standards. In the UK, the Soil Association offers the highest standard in organic certification, ensuring crops are free from chemical pesticides and fertilisers, are non-genetically modified and non-irradiated.

Of course, before intensive farming, all produce used to be organic without being labelled as such. It’s only with the introduction of modern practices such as use of pesticides, chemical fertilisers and routine antibiotic use for animals that the distinction between non-organic and organic has been made.

The key principles of organic farming are:

• Health
• Ecology
• Care
• Fairness

What does organic farming look like? 

Fewer pesticides

‘Pesticides’ are chemicals designed to kill insects, weeds (herbicides) and fungal diseases (fungicides), so that these pests don’t impact the quality of produce. They are used routinely in non-organic farming, as well as in our gardens, parks and even schools.

However, we are now aware of the harmful impact on wildlife and nature, as well as human health. Learn more about why pesticides are harmful to us and our environment here.

Under the Soil Association’s organic standards, all weedkillers are banned, and farmers can only use a very limited number of naturally-derived pesticides as a last resort (like citronella and clove oil), under certain restricted circumstances. Instead of using pesticides, organic farmers try to create a balance between plants and animals to stop pests impacting their crops. Healthy wildlife populations can help to control pests naturally – for example, organic farms will encourage birds, beetles and other ‘beneficial insects’ (e.g. ladybirds) to eat pests like caterpillars, slugs and aphids.

No artificial fertilisers

Organic farming does not allow the use of synthetic fertilisers. Instead, organic farms are encouraged to nourish plants naturally by nurturing and retaining fertile soil. Organic farmers will use methods like clover and legumes, compost, animal manure and crop rotations to maintain healthy soil. All this means that soil is more nutrient-rich, which is ultimately good for us too, as we eat the food that has been grown from that soil! See our blog post here on the declining nutrition in our fruit and veg – and the reasons why this might be.

Higher animal standards

Organic farming means higher welfare standards for animals, which is something that we feel very strongly about. Under organic standards, every aspect of welfare is considered, such as feed, living conditions, transportation and methods of slaughter. Routine antibiotic and wormer use is also banned in organic farming. All this makes for healthier, happier animals, and, for those of that eat animal products, better quality food on our plates.

Learn more about the difference between organic and free-range eggs here.

No GM

Genetically Modified ingredients are also banned under organic farming. Animals on organic farms must be fed a natural, organic and non-GM diet.

No artificial colours and preservatives

Organic standards means toxic ingredients are prohibited, and use of additives and processing aids are also heavily restricted. Organic foods must also be free from hydrogenated fats, certain artificial food colours and preservatives such as sodium benzoate, aspartame and monosodium glutamate. Buying organic therefore means you are less likely to find nasty chemicals in your food.

So is it better to buy organic? 

In our opinion, yes!

Organic farming is better for the planet, better for animal welfare standards, and better for our wonderful wildlife. With fewer harmful chemicals, healthier soil, lower agricultural emissions and the focus on ecology, organic farming offers a kinder way to work with the land.

41% of Britain’s wildlife species have declined since 1970, and more than 1 in 10 are currently facing extinction. Intensive farming practices, especially pesticide use, have been identified as the main driver of these declines, but organic farming offers an alternative.

Research also suggests that, if Europe’s farmland all followed organic principles, agricultural emissions could drop by 40-50% by 2050, with plenty to feed the growing population healthy diets.

It’s also better for our own health. A study published in the prestigious British Journal of Nutrition analysed 343 studies on the difference between organic and non-organic crops, and found that a switch to organic would provide additional antioxidants equivalent to eating between 1-2 portions of fruit and veg a day. It also showed significantly lower levels of toxic heavy metals in organic crops.

Read more about why organic is better for the environment and all its creatures here.

How can I join in for Organic September? 

Get involved! Sign up to the Soil Association’s newsletter to learn more and check out their website for lots of helpful info.

Go down to your local health store and check out their organic offering (we’ve got a good one if we do say so ourselves!).

We also love Riverford’s organic fruit and veg boxes – and because we’re nice, here’s £15 off your first box.

Interested in learning more? Check out our other blog posts here.

We are here to help – if you have any questions about our favourite natural skincare products for problem skin, please contact us. The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.