Ask the expert How does buying organic help the planet?
Wondering how you can be more eco-friendly when you’re buying food? Lisa Morris shares her expert tips
Why is it important to buy organic products where possible?
There are many reasons. Let’s start with the fact that fossil fuel-based nitrogen fertilisers used in intensive farming contribute to the climate crisis. By buying organic we help redress the balance. But it’s more than that. Buying organic is better for wildlife and for our own health too. By working with nature, we can enhance the health of our soils, water and air. Over 40 per cent of wildlife species have declined in Britain since 1970 and more than one in ten are facing extinction. Intensive farming, especially the use of pesticides, has been identified as a main driver of this decline. In contrast, organic farms are havens for wildlife, providing homes for bees, birds and butterflies.
How do pesticides affect the environment?
Although pesticides are designed to target certain pests, a large proportion goes further than intended, especially if sprayed. They can leach through the soil or end up in water courses, such as streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Research indicates that pesticides play a significant role in the loss of farmland wildlife populations. They can contaminate soil, water and vegetation and not only kill the targeted insects and weeds, but can be toxic to a host of other creatures, including birds, fish and pollinators.
Has there been an increased focus on organic farming in recent years?
People have embraced organic products, knowing that they’re better for the environment, wildlife and our own health. According to the Soil Association the demand for organic has grown year on year, but people are also concerned about their budgets so have started looking for more affordable options too. Buying local fruit and veg can support local growers, reduce food miles and help you eat seasonally.
Apart from food, what other products should we be looking out for when shopping?
Ecoleaf by Suma, our home cleaning range, and ALTER/NATIVE by Suma, our body care range, are both certified by the Vegan Society and Leaping Bunny programme and have been developed with sustainability in mind. Buy the best skincare you can afford. It pays to invest in your skin and your health. When clothes shopping I look for clothing made from sustainably sourced fabrics. I avoid fast fashion and clothes that have been made in sweatshops. If I don’t love something I won’t buy it. Fast fashion clothes have little second-hand value, so charity shops don’t even get a decent income from them. Disposable nappies are also a huge environmental issue. Consider washable nappies made from cotton or bamboo; they’re lovely.
Is there a way to be savvy with buying organic items for less?
The true cost of food production isn’t always reflected in the cost of our food. The environmental degradation and wildlife loss are not factored in, which means organic food can be more expensive. I believe in consuming less, but consuming better. Even so, there are ways to buy organic for less. Why not join together with friends and family and buy in bulk, or pop down to your local zero-waste shop to bulk buy items you use a lot or precision buy the items you only need in small amounts, such as lemons, herbs and spices? Or even look out for our organic lemon juice, which comes in small 250ml bottles and can be kept in the fridge for a longer life.
What brands would you recommend?
There are so many great brands out there. Obviously, Suma food, everything from organic beans to organic soup, and our Ecoleaf by Suma and ALTER/NATIVE by Suma brands. Other favourite brands include Patagonia, with their pledge to fight the environmental crisis; Dr Hauschka, Lavera, Weleda and Lush for facial and body care and make-up; and for our pets, Benevo and V-Dog. .