Celebrate Organic Week!

Should you choose organics? It’s a decision we all face each time we visit the grocery store. Is it worth it to spend a bit more on pesticide-free produce and food products, or is it all just marketing hype?

During Canada’s National Organic Week, which runs Sept. 19 to 27, farmers, organic brands and healthy eaters are spreading the word about the benefits of organics for the body and the Earth. Look for Organic Week events in your area and use the hashtag #OrganicWeek to participate in the conversation about best growing practices.

What does organic really mean?
When you buy something organic, you’re buying a food that’s free of synthetic pesticides and other pesticides that are not on the permitted substance list. You can also be assured that it has not been genetically modified. Organic certification is granted by bodies that have been accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Products labelled “organic” must be contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. You can look for this on foods, cleaning products and beauty products.

Choosing organics is a decision that impacts not just your family, but the Earth as a whole. Here are some things to consider:

– Though pesticide residues are sometimes found on organic produce, they are found far more often (about four times more) on conventional produce.

– Some pesticides have been linked to cancer, while research has shown others may impact the nervous system or disrupt hormones in the body.

– Organic farming practices are actually more efficient than conventional farming because less energy is needed to produce and apply things like synthetic fertilizers.

-Organic farming helps preserve biodiversity because it doesn’t kill off pests in the same way or replace natural seeds with genetically modified varieties.

So what will you decide?

Discover where to buy organics near you and find out which produce are the best to invest in with this list of the dirty dozen and the clean 15.