Organic? 3 reasons to try!

In the past I’ve dipped in and out of fresh organic food and the taste is infinitely better, I can’t deny it. It doesn’t have to be more expensive, in fact I’ve been able to make some vegetables last longer than their cheaper versions, simply because they’re bigger! But I realise its personal choice and I do find I mix and match (organic/non) what I am purchasing depending on where I am shopping.

1.     Avoid Chemicals

Ok, so we all know we should avoid putting chemicals into our bodies and wash all the fruit and veg before we eat it. But do you actually do it? Honestly?

Well, obviously there are no pesticides used on fresh organic food and there’s no need to worry about how it’s been grown. I would recommend still washing all the fruit and veg before you eat it, no one likes mud in their fruit salad!

2.     Charity

Recently, I was reminded of a local, Cheshire based charity who grow their own vegetables with a team of volunteers. Bridge Wellness Gardens are based in Ellesmere Port and provides a safe and calming environment for those with mental health and learning difficulties, to join the team of volunteers with growing the fresh produce.

I have been there myself to investigate and it’s a fantastic place with polytunnels, vegetable patches, a small workshop and even a café onsite! It’s a great example of sustainable farming and they are rapidly expanding.

There are a couple of ways to help them. Personally, I have chosen to go down the road of sponsoring a monthly Better Lives Charity Box, which will be sent to a local charity supporting either homeless people are a woman’s refuge – whichever needs it most at that point. You can also purchase fruit and veg boxes for own use if you live locally.

I decided VJM Ltd is paying for this box as a way of supporting a small charity and trying to help during this ongoing pandemic.

The other way of helping them continue to their focus is by a donation through their website: https://bwgardens.co.uk/

3.     Farming (Source www.soilassociation.org)

We hear about the nutritional side all the time, but what about where organic comes from? There’s a big push about supporting farming, so what are the benefits?

Bees - For every 10% increase in bee-friendly habitats - like that found on organic farms - bee numbers and diversity increase by over a third. 

Water - Organic standards ban the use of manufactured fertilisers, lowering the risk of pollution in rivers, seas and waterways.

Soil - In the face of changing weather patterns on a warming planet, organic farms are more resilient to the effects of climate change; soils on organic farms store up to twice as much water, helping to protect against flooding, and performing better during drought.