Comments on: Do You Buy Organic?

By: Carrie

Carrie — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:12:33 +0000

i buy organic when i can, or at least with the things that make a difference. also, like elizabeth, we don't eat many processed foods in our house, so the money we save from that is spent on local, healthy meat and dairy. while i try to be thrifty with groceries, i don't mind spending a little extra on things that are important to me — like supporting local farmers and buying humanely raised meat and organic dairy.

http://www.snowvillecreamery.com has a wealth of information about farm fresh milk.

also, why not consider a CSA for your produce or even your meat? i love the idea of knowing exactly where my food comes from.

i really enjoy your blog… it provides me plenty of food for thought (bad pun but i couldn't resist!)

By: OrganicTrade

OrganicTrade — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:35:58 +0000

Thank you for this thoughtful post. The Organic Trade Association (OTA) would like to share its perspective on some of the issues you raise. First is the issue of cost.It is true that organic can cost more than its non-organic counterparts. That is because the cost of organic products reflects the true cost of production. By contrast, there are hidden costs of non-organic production for which everyone will pay indirectly. Called ag “externalities,” they include damage to water sources, damage to soil resources, damage to wildlife and ecosystem biodiversity, and damage to human health from such things as exposure to pesticides. These costs are subsidized by and absorbed through government subsidies to non-organic producers. Organic producers receive no such subsidies; therefore organic prices must include the basic cost of production as well as the costs related to the aforementioned externalities.

OTA would also like to point out that when you buy organic, you support a system of sustainable agricultural management that promotes soil health and fertility, foster species diversity, help combat climate change, prevent damage to valuable water resources, and protect farmers and farmers’ families from exposure to harmful chemicals.

For these and many other reasons, Organic. It's worth it.

By: One Frugal Girl

One Frugal Girl — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:01:15 +0000

Thank you all for your comments.

While local farmer's markets won't be open until the spring I did jot down addresses and created a small map of markets in my area. I also plan to explore smaller grocery stores that sell organic products.

Since I'm participating in the Eat From the Pantry Challenge I plan to finish off the food we've already stored away for winter. Once everything is gone I hope to fill the shelves with healthier, organic, local products.

By: countrylivingmom

countrylivingmom — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:05:00 +0000

We purchase all of our meat from a local organic farmer. While his prices are still higher than non-organic meats from the super store, they are still quite reasonable. I purchase my milk from a local dairy that does not use hormones, etc.

As far as produce is concerned, we grow our own or buy from the farmer's market. Given that it is Janaury in the midwest, we are currently doing none of the above. I try to buy as much organic produce as possible at the store this time of year. I need to do a better job of preserving our garden and market produce this year, so as not to have to rely on the supermarket as much.

We buy very little convenience food items, so that leaves room in the grocery budget for the organic meats, veggies, etc. Check localharvest.org for local farmers in your area. You might be surprised at all the options available!

By: Jessie

Jessie — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:50:36 +0000

It's hard to find the balance in the grocery store when it comes to financial and personal health! You've made the first step by becoming more aware. I think it's important not to beat yourself up, but to make slow positive changes. It will make a difference.

By: vm

vm — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 04:13:37 +0000

Simply, eat less meat.

By: eto124

eto124 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:04:13 +0000

I would say that about 20-30% of my grocery purchases are organic. There are certain products that I always buy organic such as potatoes, apples, strawberries and spinach. I read in Prevention magazine recently that it is expensive to get an organic certification so many farmers and producers avoid that route but they may be using "organic methods". Some conventional products may be okay if they are grown locally. In the same article, I read that we should avoid eating corn feed beef and instead buy grass fed beef. I buy my beef at Whole Foods and it is grass fed. I also usually purchase other meats at Whole Foods as well. I like their chicken and pork. For dairy, I purchase milk that says on the label that no hormones were used. I will purchase organic milk when it is occasionally on sale.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:47:57 +0000

How funny that you put this up – I just watched it with my friend last night. It really has me thinking about our groceries – what we eat & what we buy. Right now we simply can not afford to change over completely, but there are small changes I can make now (produce – we live next door to a market!). In a couple years that should change, and we will be able to afford healthier choices.

Its funny…"regular" milk makes me sick, but organic milk & other diary products are fine. It makes me wonder what they add to milk that my body cant take?

By: Ruby Leigh

Ruby Leigh — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:54:36 +0000

One way to save money and still eat a lot of organic food is looking into options such as Trader Joe's and Local Co-ops. Also, buying meat directly from the farmer is often much cheaper, and usually organic.

By: Sense

Sense — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:06:25 +0000

PS I think I watched Food Inc with the Amazon code for a free $4 credit that you posted about. THANKS!! 🙂