How to Organically Without Breaking the Bank
- jillavery
- Mar 8, 2016
- 5 min read
1. If taking all of your items out of your pantry and fridge is overwhelming, which believe me it is, start out with choosing 5 products and identify 2 suspicious ingredients in each product.
2. If you do not know what the ingredient is, go to your search engine and type in negative affects of that ingredient.
3. Even if there is one ingredient in the item that is suspicious or you know is bad, throw it out or take it back!
4. Try to keep items that have fewer than five ingredients in them. It’s ok if it has more, as long as you are for sure that the ingredients are safe.
5. Once you determine what is safe to keep in your pantry, which if it was anything like my pantry, it would be empty, then it’s time to go shopping. ;-)
I would first call your local grocery store manager and explain to them the dangers of GMO’s and let them know that you would like to return everything in your pantry and fridge. If you are really nice and tell them you are doing this for your family’s safety, then hopefully the manager will allow you to return it.
If they say yes I would take all of the items that are dangerous and put them in grocery store bags.
I would not just go to the store without calling first. You will have much better luck!
I feel like if we all did this, we would start to have a voice and they would listen.
I did this and was given $600 to start my new venture into organic living.
It is time to go shopping!
1. Please email me if you would like grocery stores in this areas that sell organic food of all local stores that carry organic foods. I have included all sales, coupons and specials each store is carrying. If I have missed a store, please let me know and I will be happy to add it.
2. I know shopping can become a habit. You go in for a purpose and walk out with the same items each week. We all do it. I am asking you to break this cycle and go down new isles. Ask an employee of the store if they have an organic section. A lot of stores are adding this section, as it has become more popular. Also go down the perimeter of the store first. In most stores, this is where they stock the most nutrient dense foods. You will be surprised by doing this you will find new organic products on the store shelves regularly.
3. Compare prices, sales and coupons at all local stores, so you know where best to shop. You will be surprised to find that prices can vary tremendously.
4. When purchasing “USDA organic” products make sure you do your homework on each ingredient. There are four categories of organic certifications. Click on the link to learn more. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELDEV3004446
5. It can become very tricky so make sure the items that are not organic are not dangerous. There are companies out there though that are very reputable and their products are safe to consume, they just do not have the funds to have an organic seal. Just do your homework and verify who they are before you buy anything.
6. A lot of big companies are also playing both sides of the field, meaning they sell products that are GMO while also selling organic. This way they get to profit from everyone. In my opinion, I do not like playing dirty and I do my best to avoid companies that will hurt their customers, just to make a profit. The following link will explain which companies own certain organic products.
Look for the “Clean Fifteen” List
1. It is ok to buy fruits and vegetables off of this list without it being organic, this is another way you can save and still eat healthy.
2. Environmental Working Group has comprised this list of the cleanest conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that you can consume with the lowest pesticide load.
3. Why should you care about pesticides? The EWG points out that there is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood. Buy Local
1. It is important to shop at your local farmers markets and mom and pop stores.
2. Big business has taken over and put the “little guy” out of business and it is up to all of us to stay connected and support them by continuing to purchase their products.
3. Customer service that small business provides is also far superior then big business. The owners will know you by first name and will remember what you purchase each week. It is such a refreshing change from stores that think of you as just a number or a dollar sign.
4. Remember supporting local business can cost a bit more, but there is a greater return by sticking together. The following link will provide you with a list of farmers in local area. http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/ Grow your own garden
1. Growing your own garden not only will cost less but it is also very therapeutic. Putting your hands in the dirt is connecting yourself with nature and is very healing. 2. Plant at the right time of the year depending on your location. If you are located in Florida, plant your garden during the fall when the weather starts to cool off. Growing a garden in Florida during the summer can be more difficult for the vegetables to grow because of the heat.
3. It is very helpful if you lay black professional grade weed fabric down before you plant. I would Google professional landscape fabric in your area. If you purchase it from Home Depot or Lowes the quality differs greatly. It is much thinner and weeds will grow threw it. The professional grade is amazing and blocks most weeds, if you lay it correctly.
4. Buy organic or heirloom seeds and quality soil to guarantee the most nutrient dense vegetables, fruits and herbs. If your visit the links below you will get tips on what products are best to use to start your garden.
So how can I save time and money if I buy organic?
1. Ok so everyone would like to save time and a lot more money. I wish I could tell you that living organically, is as quick or inexpensive as buying a Mc Donald’s hamburger, unfortunately it is not. If you follow some of my suggestions throughout this article though, it can be a great place to start.
2. Another tip is buying in bulk. Buying in bulk, or when there are bogos, which is buying something that is two for one, you will save a lot of money as well.
3. If you buy or already have a dehydrator, spend a few hours dehydrating fruits and vegetables, so on nights you don’t feel like cooking you have healthy choices already prepared.
4. Another suggestion is making several large batches of home cooked meals and storing them in your freezer. If you can set aside a day or even a few hours in a day to do this, it will save you time in the long run.
5. If you don’t see the company you are looking for on this site, go to the individual company’s site and get on their mailing list for coupons and they will be happy to send them to you.
Comparing Prices of Conventional Food to Organic Food
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