Going Organic!

[mummy leah]

Going Organic!

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I've been researching and considering organic food for our family. It would mean replacing just about everything in the pantry, and changing the way I cook everything.

I feel that it's important, but it just seems as though it would be so hard. Right now I'm quite time poor, and don't know if I'd be silly to try and do it.

Plus I think it would be expensive too. All the foods seem to cost more than what I currently buy.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,
Leah

[Purly]

Re: Going Organic!

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Have you looked at what items are available in your area? Even if I wanted to, I could not replace everything in my home.

I thought this was interesting when I first read it (though with an American slant adding Ketchup to that list)

[Nyree]

Re: Going Organic!

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Just replace things one at a time - like if you run out of pasta, get organic pasta next time. Woolies & more so Coles have quite a few organic products these days that are not badly priced. Also look for markets &/or farm gate sales. Always cheaper direct from the grower.

[Jakaluma]

Re: Going Organic!

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Might also be worth thinking about why you want to go organic - sometimes buying local is better, especially it is also sustainably farmed. The "organic" label can be marketing gimmick (mass produced organic crop planted on same soil artificially fertilized isn't going to be any more nutritious than its non organic equivalent).

Is there a market which sells fruit and veg near you? Often there are people selling their own products there, and then you can ask questions. It needed be a massive time waster, it can be a fun family outing.

If you want good "simple food" tips, try subscribing to the Simple Savings newsletter (there is also a vault you can join, but the newsletter is free). It isn't all organic or even environmentally friendly, but a lot of the tips lean that way, and I've picked up a lot of tips for simple food, quick and easy to prepare from fresh produce.

[lcorteen]

Re: Going Organic!

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good on you leah for looking into organic.

as the others have said, start slowly, with lower priced, easy to find items and just replace as you run out.

farmers markets and farm door sellers may sell 'spray free' produce which will probably be cheaper than certified organic.

As for taking more time and needing to change they way you cook... is that because you currently eat a lot of pre-prepared, processed foods? If so and you want to change, just do it slowly. If you try to go the whole hog it will be a real chore and you'll be less likely to stick with it.

good luck
xx

I can't really

[zed]

Re: Going Organic!

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Hi Leah, You're doing somethng great for yourself and family and the rest of us on the planet! but yeah,just one thing at a time for staples like pasta,rice etc (alot of these items are well priced and many times the same or cheaper than reg products in coles or woollies)and perishables like fruit and veg can be happening straight away. make sure you get certified organic like nassa or australian certified organic. (look for the symbols) This means that the entire growing process from the actual soil and right through to packing no pesticides etc are used. The taste and nutritional difference is well worth it,not to mention missing out on the accumulative affects of pestiside residue and systemic plant residue from contaminated soils.
I agree that the markets are the best for unpackaged and mostly local organic produce..freo markets have a long standing stall and city farm is great..an invaluable local website is cleanlife.com.au
all the best...
Michelle