[attach id=256741 size="medium"]Planning meals a week ahead is a great way to save money.[/attach]
It is a common misconception that going organic involves spending a lot of money. Therefore, some people, although genuinely interested in their health, are put off from buying organic as they believe they cannot afford it.
It is true that organic products are more expensive than conventional products, but with few practical tips, everyone can afford buying organic products while still adhering to a pre-set budget.
When I first started buying organic, my monthly spending grew significantly. I knew that although I was buying the healthiest products for my family, the cost was too high. I was worried as I realised that we could not afford to spend so much on groceries.
I knew I had to find a way to spend less while still buying organic. I could not give up on organic products as I strongly believed in the benefits of doing so.
Undoubtedly, the best solution is growing your own
By eating organic food one is less exposed to harmful chemicals and pesticides that have been linked to cancer and other health problems.
Organic foods are generally of a higher quality. Morevover, they are grown using methods that respect the environment, which result in less air, soil and water pollution.
At the end of the day it all boils down to whether you consider the above reasons important enough to make you incorporate organic food in your diet. I made my decision about three years ago and have never looked back.
I would like to share with you some tips and tricks that worked for me.
The first important thing to realise is that you don’t necessarily have to buy everything organic since not all foods are exposed to the same amount of chemicals and fertilisers.
For instance, in the case of some fruit and vegetables with thick skins such as oranges and cabbages the skin prevents the harmful substances from being absorbed by the crops. In the case of the cabbages removing a few top layers will do the job.
However, other products that have a thinner skin such as apples and strawberries are like sponges. A high amount of the fertilsers and other chemicals pass onto the fruit.
The US Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently completed an analysis of conventionally-grown (non-organic) produce to measure pesticide residue levels. Based on the results of almost 43,000 tests, the EWG estimates that consumers can reduce their pesticide exposure by almost 90 per cent if they avoid the most contaminated foods and eat the least contaminated foods instead.
Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables, referred to as ‘The Dirty Dozen’, exposes the average person to about 15 different pesticides each day, while someone eating the least contaminated would be exposed to fewer than two pesticides each day.
However, always remember to wash all produce (conventional and organic) thoroughly with a natural fruit and vegetable cleanser. Peeling the skin of the fruit or vegetable can help reduce pesticide exposure, but it also results in the loss of valuable vitamins and nutrients.
When you have the choice between an organic item and one that’s conventionally grown, choose organic as much as possible. To see the EWG’s complete study results, visit its website www.FoodNews.org.
Another cost-effective trick when buying organic produce is to go direct to the producer.
By buying direct from the organic farmers you are not only ensuring a cheaper price but you are also building a relationship with the supplier. By getting closer to the organic farmers you can learn more on how the food you consume is produced; the dedication of the farmers and the hard work involved in growing organic crops.
You will surely learn to appreciate your food more once you get in contact with the source.
For a list of local organic producers visit the Malta Organic Agricultural Movement (MOAM) website www.moam.org.mt.
If you have other friends who share your interest in consuming healthy food you can jointly buy in bulk and then share between you. This helps guarantee an even cheaper price, and you and your friends can support each other in this journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
Undoubtedly, the best solution is growing your own. If you have a green finger and would like to consume food with no pesticides and chemicals you can try growing your own small organic garden.
In conjunction with the above tips I found that planning meals was a great way to save money that otherwise could have been spent on spontaneous shopping.
I realised that before I started meal planning and making shopping lists according to the week’s meal plan I use to spend money on unnecessary items that would be left lying around the cupboard for quite a while.
Meal planning may require quite an effort at first, especially for those people who are not so organised and dread planning ahead. However, do not give up; with some practice it will become natural.
If these ideas resonate with you and you want to promote your health, the health of your family and the health of the planet, you may contact a group of people interested in this subject by sending an e-mail to nurturing.nature4change@gmail.com.