Time flies, and ‘Organic September’ is upon us. Led by the Soil Association it is a time to champion organic; to celebrate all that organic practices do for soil, for climate, for nature and for health.
WHAT DOES ORGANIC MEAN?
Organic is a way of farming and food production using no chemicals or artificial fertilisers. It aims to produce high quality, nutrient dense food without harming the soil or nature, and thereby protecting the climate and planet as a whole.
The Soil Association determines the standards that have to be met along with the certification process. Famers are not able to use any weedkillers, and can, as a last resort, use only limited amounts of natural pesticides.
The use of unnecessary antibiotics is also prohibited. On ‘standard’ farms animals are often given antibiotics routinely, as the conditions they are kept in can lead to many diseases. This overexposure lessens the antibiotics effectiveness and means that we can unwittingly be consuming them when we eat the food produced.
Organic farmers instead take steps to encourage birds, beetles and insects to naturally control pests and keep animals and crops healthy. In turn this creates fields that are vibrant and alive, working in harmony with nature. This is in stark contrast to the acres and acres of monoculture we have become used to seeing, where an ever increasing amount of chemicals are needed to keep producing crops as the soil quality diminishes and insects and wildlife decline.
WHY CHOOSE ORGANIC?
Chemicals from standard farming make their way into our soils, our waterways and our food as well as beauty and personal products, clothes and essentially everything produced.
All these chemicals and intensive practices have contributed to 41% of Britain’s wildlife species declining since 1970, and more than 1 in 10 of them are facing extinction.
Organic farms, on average, have 50% more planet, insect and bird life than non organic farms and 75% more wild bees. They also protect the waterways as there is no chance of run off from harmful, toxic chemicals.
By choosing organic we are connecting our own health with the health of the planet – reducing our own exposure to harmful chemicals and unnecessary antibiotics. We are supporting farming for the long term – creating a thriving healthy environment for people and for nature.
OUR FAVOURITE ORGANIC SUPPLIERS
MATTHEWS COTSWOLD FLOUR: Matthews Cotswold go beyond organic by working hard to educate and empower farmers. They champion organic, regenerative farming which is so fantastic to see and we are proud to support them. All of the flour in our baking kits and biscuits is organic and from Matthews.
ABEL & COLE: Suppliers of organic milk, fruit, veg, cheese and other delicious edibles Abel & Cole bring plenty friendly goodness to your home or office. They are B Corp certified and support small scale businesses, and we are pleased to have weekly deliveries here.
WHOLE FOODS: Our go to for dried goods – herbs, spices, fruit, nuts. They are a lovely bunch of people who sell everything your store cupboard could ever need!
I hope you have found this interesting, and that it inspires you to try organic this September!
Laura
