Welcome to Green Living 101, your beginner’s guide to embracing an organic lifestyle, brought to you by Organic Voices (and the Only Organic campaign), the nonprofit dedicated to promoting organic choices for a healthier planet. In this blog, we will take you on a journey toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of living. Buckle up and get ready to make mindful choices that benefit not only you, but also the environment.
- 1. Understanding organic food
The cornerstone of an organic lifestyle is what you put on your plate. Choose organic fruits, vegetables, grains, and products to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support sustainable farming practices. Look for the USDA Organic seal – a certified mark of authenticity. Take a deeper dive into the 15 reasons to choose certified organic here.
- Explore local and seasonal options
Reduce your carbon footprint by opting for local, seasonal, and organic produce whenever possible. Supporting local farmers not only ensures fresher food but also promotes community sustainability. Visit farmers markets or join a local CSA – which stands for community-supported agriculture – for a direct connection to organic goodness. Locating CSAs and local farmers is easy with this national directory here. Explore more ways to support local organic agriculture in this blog.
- Embrace organic protein
When it comes to protein, choose organic options such as grass-fed meat, free-range poultry and plant-based alternatives. Organic proteins not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to animal welfare and sustainable farming.
Two studies published in the British Journal of Nutrition show that organic milk and meat contain about 50% higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally produced products. They also show that organic meat had lower concentrations of two saturated fats, and that organic milk and dairy products contain 40% more of the heart-healthy conjugated linoleic acid than their conventional counterparts. Read more about the importance of choosing certified organic eggs in our new blog here.
- Greening your home
Extend your organic choices beyond the kitchen and into your home – for instance, choose organic textiles, household products, cleaning supplies and personal care items. Look for eco-friendly certifications and avoid products containing harmful chemicals. Make your home a haven for health and sustainability.
In this blog, “New Year, New Organic Home, Wardrobe and Diet,” we take you through skipping not just the chemicals in your diet but also those hiding in your home.
- DIY cleaning solutions
For a greener home, consider making your cleaning products using simple, organic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. This not only reduces waste but also minimizes your exposure to synthetic chemicals found in conventional cleaners. Ditching the toxic chemicals when cleaning your home can be made easy by following the recommendations in this blog.
- Eco-friendly fashion
It makes sense that what we put in our body matters. What we choose to put against it matters just as much, or more. Our skin is our largest organ and primary organ for absorption.
Extend your organic lifestyle to your wardrobe by choosing clothes made from organic fabrics. Organic cotton, hemp and bamboo are sustainable choices that minimize environmental impact and support ethical fashion practices. Learn more about the importance of eco-fashion in this blog.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
Practice the three Rs to minimize waste – invest in reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags and containers.
When recycling, ensure you’re following local guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of your efforts. In this blog, we’ve identified 10 ways to reduce waste and help the environment by making small changes in your daily routine.
- Find out more
Stay informed about organic practices, sustainability and environmental issues. Knowledge is power, and being aware of the impact of your choices empowers you to make more informed decisions. Only Organic has several blogs, news articles and resources available in the Organic News section of our website.
Embracing an organic lifestyle is a journey, not a destination. By making conscious choices, you contribute to a healthier planet and a better future.
Start your Green Living 101 journey today, and let’s create a world where sustainability and well-being go hand in hand.
Happy organic living!
