Go organic!

Helping out wildlife and the planet doesn’t need to break the bank as our handy guide to mark Organic September proves…

We’ve all heard about the importance of going organic, but how do you do it and without breaking the bank? Clement Teagle, at the Soil Association, the UK’s largest certifier of organic products, says: “Organic is often synonymous with being more expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some easy ways to make organic the same or even less than a normal shop. And when organic does cost more, there are some tips to make sure you spend that money on the right things that really make a difference to animal welfare, the environment and even your own health.”

Did you know? Organic farming began in the Forties in response to agriculture’s growing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides

Love your local market

While organic foods can be significantly more expensive in supermarkets, they tend to be the same price or even cheaper in farmer’s markets, greengrocers, wholefood shops and organic stores.

Alternatively, if you have to use supermarkets check out their own-brand organic ranges which are cheaper than brands.

■ Find your local independent organic retailer at www.soilassociation.org, click on ‘organic living’ then ‘find your local independent retailer’

Know the clean 15

The Environment Working Group has a list of 15 fruit and veg that have the least amount of pesticides used in non-organic farming. This means if you can’t afford to go all organic, these are less contaminated than other nonorganic items. The 15 are: avocados, sweetcorn, pineapples, cabbage, frozen peas, onions, asparagus, mangoes,

WE LOVE! Island Bakery biscuits, Lemon Melts – winners of several organic awards Stocked in Waitrose, rrp £3.49

papayas, kiwis, eggplant, grapefruit, cantaloupe, cauliflower and sweet potatoes. As for the items you should always choose organic for, these include apples, strawberries, grapes, celery, peaches, spinach, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and potatoes.

Bulk buy staples

Buying your cupboard essentials in bulk is a great way to save money, as staples such as organic versions of pasta, canned tomatoes and baked beans are currently the same price as their nonorganic equivalents. Buying deals on organic food in bulk to keep in your freezer is also a handy way to save.

Create an organic co-op

Club together with neighbours or friends who also want to buy organic to buy in bulk from organic wholesalers. By going directly to the wholesalers as a group (which you cannot do as an individual) you’ll save a third or more off normal shop prices, hence you can afford to buy better-quality organic food.

■ To find out more about food co-operatives call 0203 559 6777 or visit www.sustainweb.org/ foodcoops

It’s not just food!

Fashion is the world’s second most polluting industry after oil, but you can make more organic fashion choices by opting for clothes that bear the Global Organic Textile Standard stamp.

This means your outfit has been produced without dangerous synthetic pesticides that harm wildlife and soil conditions.

As for beauty, look for the logo of a recognised certification body such as Cosmos or the Soil Association.