Can I Afford To Go Organic?
Looking at the veggie section of your local supermarket is probably enough to convince you that you would like to become an organic household. The health pages of the paper likewise. But can we afford it? And is it worth the cost? Inspired by an article by Shelley White.
Know The Expense
Organic food is more expensive. That, sadly, is the beginning and end of it. There’s no way to pretend that it’s not more expensive than ordinary food. Becoming wholly organic is out of most people’s budgets, so the advice from the experts is to pick and choose. If you can peel it, then you can probably buy something from the local supermarket. Veggies like spinach and celery might have a higher pesticide residue, so think about spending the money on buying organic equivalents. Fruits that retain a pesticide residue are thin-skinned fruits (not easily offended fruits, but ones that genuinely have thin skin) such as peaches, strawberries, apples and grapes.
Buy The Taste
Organic food also tastes better. I for one equate great taste with health, and there appears to be absolutely no scientific proof to back me up on that one. According to experts, the risk of cancer or other nasties from food is very low. It’s like the bread-causes-cancer debacle several years ago- an inflated claim that feeds into my modern-day paranoia. Despite this, if you want to eat great tasting food, then organic will serve you well. I personally am willing to cut other expenses to spend a bit more money on great-tasting, nutritional food. Choose the things that matter to you- if you don’t care what your milk taste like, then invest the money in organic meat instead.
Local, Not Global
Our particular fascination with the local is a very Western phenomenon. If you’re worried about where the next meal is coming from, you’re not going to care if it comes from a multinational or your own backyard. Organic food is the preoccupation of us here in developed countries- where we feel we might have missed something along the way, that there’s a wholesomeness of previous times that we have somehow lost. While it’s not an option for everyone, why not grow a couple of veggies in your backyard? I personally would save a small fortune if I grew tomatoes, and I would love knowing where my food comes from.
How To Eat Clean And Save
There is one definite when it comes to organics- it’s worth spending the money when it comes to chickens. With the horror stories that float around, I would much rather shell out the money than sit there, chewing distractedly on something that concerned me. Ways to scare up a bit of extra cash in order to afford a couple of organic items include eating less meat, which is good for your bank balance and your health. You could also invest in your local organic far, by paying a flat fee for three month vegetable shares which get delivered your door. The final tip is to buy less than you think you need. If anyone looked in my vegetable drawer in the fridge, they would concur. We buy what we think we need, and then don’t use it. Buy less, buy better and save money in the process.
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