This month marks Organic September, where we are being encouraged to make simple switches to care for nature, climate and health.
The campaign, run by the Soil Association and the Organic Trade Board, is a month-long celebration of organic farming, food, drink, beauty products and clothes. In the face of climate change, diet related ill-health and widespread decline in wildlife, the need to change our food systems has never been greater. As more of us are seeking to make choices to minimise our impact on the planet, organic can offer a simple, trusted way to be more sustainable in our daily lives.
Louisa Pharoah, of the Soil Association, explained: “Organic farming is a whole system approach that nurtures the soil, biodiversity and our planet. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant more people appreciate where food comes from, and with the increased interest in growing veg in our gardens and home baking, there’s never been a better time to talk to people about the benefits of organic farming.”
So, how can you make some simple switches?
- Get to know what organic really means: Did you know organic food has to follow strict legal standards, to make sure it’s always better for animals, wildlife, soils and plants? Those growing and making it also have to be rigorously inspected at least once a year.
- … and find out why it matters: Built on the principles of health, ecology, care and fairness, no other defined system of farming and food production comes close to delivering so many benefits for wildlife, society and the natural world.
- Make one small swap to an organic cuppa: We drink around 100m cups of tea and 95m coffees a day in the UK – think of the huge impact we could have together, if all of us made a small switch to organic for our daily brew.
- Opt for organic: Choosing to support organic farmers and producers is one of the simplest forms of direct action you can take. Our collective choices all add up – more demand for organic food and drink means more people casting a vote for farms that support more wildlife and healthier soils. When you choose organic, you choose to support nature and our planet, biodiversity and the highest standards of animal welfare.
- Turn your garden organic: From peat free compost to pollinator-friendly plants, it’s one of the easiest ways you can champion healthy soils and biodiverse wildlife populations from the comfort of your home.
- Get to know your eggs: Eggs come in all different shapes and sizes, but do you know your organic from your free range? Eggs carrying the Soil Association symbol come from farms with the highest standards of animal welfare in the UK.
- Eat with the seasons: Eating more seasonally is a great way to reconnect to the rhythm of the natural world, as well as reducing the food miles of what’s on your table.
Find out more at www.soilassociation.org.uk
