What does it mean to be organic or to live organically?
When we choose to live a more organic lifestyle, we are generally avoiding anything that has been excessively processed or subjected to chemicals such as synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. And it might be in the foods we eat, the products we use on our skin. And the things we surround ourselves with within our homes.
A Bit of History
Organic farming, horticulture, and other forms of sustainable living are not new. Consider your earliest visions of ‘farming’ (or rather, envision them). This might resemble a peasant trekking through a field, pouring seed down from a sack they’re carrying. Perhaps a horse is plowing the field with a crude wooden plow…??
The objective is that there are no chemicals visible. Because it had to be, farming in the Middle Ages was very basic. However, they were astute enough to rotate their crops and fertilize the soil with animal excrement, providing enough food for the entire town to subsist.
The boost in crop yield appeared to be a good thing at the time. But there were some major long-term consequences. Due to the usage of chemical fertilizers, farmers noticed a decrease in soil fertility as well as a fall in the health and quality of crops and livestock. Toxic substances entering the food chain were also a source of concern.
How do we go about living an organic lifestyle…?
On the surface, we would believe that the phrase “organic” relates mostly (or exclusively) to fruits, vegetables, meat, and, more broadly, what we consume. And this is where many people will begin their transition to a more organic way of life. However, organic living and living a more organic lifestyle can entail far more than just-food.
Simply being more conscious is the first step toward a more organic existence. Consider what can be lurking in your home that could be a source of dangerous chemicals, and then investigate!! The next step might be to gradually replace these goods with more natural alternatives. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to organic living, and what works for one family may not work for another.
You’ll undoubtedly realize along the way that there are some things that you know are unhealthy for you yet can’t live without. And that’s fine since organic living is about growth rather than perfection. It’s vital to remember that modest changes can make a big effect, and you don’t have to do everything at once. Allowing yourself to feel overwhelmed and doing nothing is not an option. Move on to the next thing once you’ve started and implemented one tiny adjustment, and before you know it, you’ll be reaping the benefits of organic living.
A really clean and entirely ‘organic lifestyle’ is likely out of reach for most of us, as avoiding everything that has been severely processed or exposed to chemicals is not realistic. However, we all make decisions. We all have different priorities. And if we feel that organic is better and that it is a priority for us, there are options and positive changes we can make one at a time to help us transition to a more organic lifestyle.
At Home with Organics
Consider the materials we use or consume in the home that we might inhale, swallow, or apply to our skin. Cleaning and laundry products, sanitary items, skincare, makeup, toothpaste, medicines, clothing and fabric, and paints. These are just a few examples of items that may contain dangerous chemicals that we absorb into our bodies when we use them.
Cleaning goods and skincare are likely to be the top two culprits in a typical home for containing dangerous chemicals to which you are constantly exposed. On the plus side, they are most likely some of the simplest items to replace with better counterparts!! While we may not be able to go completely organic with cleaning products and a bathroom cabinet made entirely of organic materials. There are plenty of alternatives that are better for you, your family, and the environment. And will easily fit into your organic lifestyle.
If you want to learn more about the potentially harmful chemicals in your cleaning products. The Environmental Working Group website is a great place to start. Despite the fact that it is an American site, it includes a wealth of articles and tips. As well as a large database of cleaning products and components that you can search to determine the amount of ugliness.
Purchasing Organics
BioGro is New Zealand’s top organic certifying organization. So you can be sure you’re buying anything organic if you see their logo on a product. They certify a wide range of items, including health and beauty products, wine, honey and bee products, meat and vegetables. And this Greentrading Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
The Global Organic Textile Standard is the certification agency to search for if you’re seeking apparel or fabric (GOTS). They guarantee the organic status of textiles from raw material gathering to environmentally and socially responsible manufacture and labeling.
However, purchasing certified organic products can be costly. Many of our vendors have chosen not to become certified on purpose. Why..?? Because becoming completely accredited entails a large financial investment that would be passed on to the customer. And just because something isn’t certified organic doesn’t imply it’s bad or contains harmful ingredients.
Many of the goods on Green Elephant have a high percentage of organic or high-quality natural components acquired locally, despite the fact that they are not formally certified organic. This means that the product is still far better for us than something loaded with chemicals, but it comes at a lower cost.
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