As this month is Organic September in the UK , it’s the perfect time to make the switch to organic if it’s something you’ve been thinking about doing but are unsure of as to where to start. Thankfully, you don’t have to go entirely organic to make a difference. Every little swap that you make is a powerful form of direct action, and small changes really can make a big difference . Making the switch to organic food can have a huge benefit not only to people but also for animal welfare and the environment.
You don’t need to go out of your way to switch to organic—there are lots of changes you can make whilst you do your usual grocery shop or when you are ordering online. Here are ten quick and easy changes that you can make straightaway this month.
Check them out in the slideshow.
More Tips for Green Living:
Easy Ways to Go Organic (Without Going Broke)
Make the swap with your beauty products
Changing just one beauty product this month can help to make a difference. Choose to switch either something that you use daily, or a product that covers the biggest surface area of your skin such as a cleanser, shampoo, or body lotion. (Featured: 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil, £9.95 )
Switch to organic teabags
Normal teabags are usually bleached, and the tea leaves aren't always washed before bagging, which means you could be steeping pesticides and bleach in boiling hot water every time you have a cuppa. I swapped my usual teabags for Clippers Organic English Breakfast ! They taste just as good as normal, too.
Try organic soup
If you like to have a can of soup on hand for a quick, warm lunch, then swap your usual can for these delicious Amy's Kitchen ones. Not only are they organic, but many are low fat and gluten free too. My favourite is the Chunky Tomato Soup---perfect for these chilly autumn days.
Swap out your fruits and veg
You could swap just one or two fruit and veg varieties each week for organic versions. Why not check out the "dirty dozen " to see which ones you really should change. Or you could try out an organic veg box ---the bonus to these is that it gets delivered straight to your door! I love getting a veg box delivered; not only does it save me time, but it's a great way to cook seasonally too.
Change up your chocolate!
As a mum, I love to treat myself to a chocolate bar once in a while. It's my guilty pleasure---so why not switch to a bar of organic Green & Black's this month? There is a chocolate bar to suit your taste, from milk chocolate to dark chocolate to chocolate with mint! The bonus is it's free from pesticides so you can feel a little less guilty about your favourite "mum treat."
Buy organic milk
This is a really easy thing to swap. Organic milk is almost the same price as the non-organic, and provides more healthy nutrients and less unhealthy fats than regular milk. It's been shown to also have higher levels of omega-3s, and children who drink organic milk have been shown to be less likely to suffer from ezcema.
Choose organic cotton
Here's the proof that the T-shirt you wear really can make a difference! By choosing organic cotton , you are helping farmers to grow other crops for food and income, ensuring their families are fed and improving their chance of food security in local communities. Organic cotton is proven to save and protect water resources and reduce carbon emissions.
Clean your teeth without harsh chemicals
Clean your teeth without harsh chemicals. Organic toothpastes are naturally free from fluoride, SLS, and triclosan, leaving your teeth clean and your breath fresh, naturally.
Enjoy a mug of organic coffee
If you're anything like me, you need that morning cup of coffee! If you're going to drink coffee, organic is the healthiest way to do it as farmers use a lot of pesticides to grow their conventional coffee beans. Coffee has been shown to have many health benefits , too!
Change up your wardrobe
The textile industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. Choose clothes made from organic fabrics that do not contain any allergenic, carcinogenic, or toxic chemical residues, and protect the local ecosystems and water supplies.