September is Organic Harvest Month!September 09, 2011

Filed under: Organic - greenacres @ 9:34 AM

The Organic Trade Association has designated the month of September as Organic Harvest Month!  Originally started as a low-key way for the organization to get the word out about organic foods and agricultural practices, it has now become a nationally recognized month in honor of the organics industry and its core principles.

Why go organic?

The National Organic Standards Board has defined “organic” as “a labeling term that denotes products produced under…guidelines for organic production [that] use materials and practices that enhance the ecological balance of natural systems and that integrate the parts of the farming system into an ecological whole.”  Now that’s a movement to get behind!  Bringing our farming ecosystems into a balance with plants, insects, animals, and of course people, we and our earth can begin to heal from the over-use of monoculture farming and chemical pesticides and herbicides that have left scars on our environment and on our food system.

But organic isn’t just about our planet.  It’s also about what we put into our bodies.  Going organic eliminates much of the risk associated with consuming chemicals that have been a concern in the public eye for years now.  And it tastes better.  A totally subjective statement, of course, but surveys have found that consumers truly do taste a difference between organic and conventional carrots.  We’re also finding that organically grown products have a higher quality nutritional profile than their conventionally grown counter-parts.  Vitamin, nutrient, and antioxidant levels are higher in over two-thirds of organic match pairs, and nitrate levels are also uniformly lower—higher levels indicate a greater risk for the spread of disease and bacteria, while lower levels are associated with dietary health benefits. (For the full report from The Organic Center, click here.)

So what can you do to support Organic Harvest Month?

Here are 5 simple suggestions to get you and your family started on the organic path:

1. PREPARE one meal with as many organic ingredients as possible. Don’t forget to serve the organic beverage of your choice with your meal and enjoy an organic dessert.  Make it a celebration!

2. GO SHOPPING and fill one grocery bag with all organic products. Remember, organic isn’t just in the produce aisle, it’s in the frozen section, in the health and beauty department, and it appears everywhere between dairy and canned goods. If you can’t find organic items in your store, talk to your grocer to find out about bringing some in.

3. WEAR organic cotton clothing, available in everything from socks to sweaters. Enjoy the comfort and style while you support agriculture that builds healthy soils and protects the environment.

4. INDULGE yourself. Take a long bath in water scented with organic oils. Nibble on rich organic chocolate. Sip organic wine, beer or even a martini made with organic vodka. Buy yourself a bouquet of organically grown flowers. Cuddle in a towel or robe made from organic cotton.

5. SAY THANK YOU to an organic grower or producer because they’re the ones who bring organic food and fiber products to the tables and stores all across North America. Grab a friend and go to your local farmers market where you can buy organic products directly from a certified organic grower and say “Thanks!”