WHY ORGANIC?

1. No chemicals.
Chemicals in the form of antibiotics, fungicides, herbicides, fertilizers, growth-hormones and insecticides are widely present in foods. Families eating a 100 percent organic diet rapidly and dramatically reduced their exposure to four classes of pesticides alone – by an average of 60 % over six days.

2. Fresher & prevents pollution
Organic produce do not contain life-extending artificial preservatives or additives and hence is naturally fresher. It reduces pollution, as chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and harmful elements are not released into nature. Excess nitrogen and phosphorous released into the water bodies also causes an overgrowth of algae which consumes oxygen and creates an imbalance.

3. Nature-friendly & fights climate change
Organic practices preserve soil quality, conserve water, reduce soil erosion, use less energy, and replenish valuable nutrients back to nature. Healthy soil counteracts climate change by pulling carbon out of the atmosphere. Organic farming releases fewer greenhouse gas emissions. It is pollinator-friendly and protect bees, pollinators with wildlife.

4. Better for humans & other living beings
Chemical-free produce is useful to humans, animals, nature, micro-organisms, etc. and thus improves the quality of life. More opportunities are created for farmers and those looking to move into the organic space. Organic farmers don’t rely on non-renewable oil-based fertilizers and pesticides which we may not always have access to.

5. Richer in nutrients.
Organic produce has more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micro-nutrients than commercially grown foods because the soil is nourished with sustainable farming practices. On average, organically grown foods provide: 21% more iron, 27% more vitamin C, 29% more magnesium and 13% more phosphorus than their conventional counterparts.

6. No GMOs & its ill-effects
GMOs adversely effect the biodiversity of food, besides the sustainability of our ecosystems and health. There is evidence that pollen or seeds from genetically engineered crops have contaminated conventional crops, often causing seed or product recalls by MNCs, and other problems for farmers and consumers.

7. More humane to animals
Harmful antibiotics or growth hormones are not given. Animals are not fed animal by-products or chemicals, which increase the risk of disease like mad cow, swine flu, bird flu, etc. Animals are given more space and access to the natural outdoors. Everything ultimately finds itself to the ocean and hence organics keep marine-life also safe and healthy.

8. Invest in the future.
More consumers demanding organic, ensures demand is more readily available in larger supply. Large grocery outlets are able to carry organic produce and so will small co-ops and shops. Thus the economy prospers and also benefits of our investing in sustainable farming are long-term and lasting – to be enjoyed the future generations too.

9. Tastes better & is healthier
Well nourished soil results in organic produce that is naturally tasty, rather than ones that just appear so. There are no added colours or flavours to artificially make it appealing or tasty and it is in its purest form. It also has health benefits because of higher nutritional value and studies has proved, it lowers the overall risk of developing cancer.

10. Helps the taxpayers
Farming and food production is not a easy or popular occupation, but most essential for survival. This is why the government and non-agrarian urban population subsidizes agriculture, poultry, dairy or animal husbandry heavily. An organic lifestyle ensures lesser expenses by citizens on healthcare, environment and economy

11. Carefully processed, stored & packed
Processes like irradiation – ionizing radiation with rays or use of ripening agents or harmful packaging materials are not used. In processing, preserving and transporting organic produce, care is taken and the materials or processes used do not adversely affect it.

– compiled by Elizabeth