Why Choose Organic?

At Organic Merchant we are passionate about all things green, certified organic, eco-friendly, fairly traded, locally traded and sustainable.

We feel these passionate lifestyle choices, in our own small way demonstrate our care, respect and compassion for the broader community and the environment. Here’s why we choose 100% certified organic ingredients:

Organic produce contains an average of 50% more vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

The biggest study ever of organic food was completed in 2007 and found that organic fruit and vegetables contain up to 40% more antioxidants than conventional equivalents, and that the figure was 90% for organic milk. Because organic produce is allowed to develop more slowly, it generally contains less water and more solid matter, which means more nutrients and more flavour.

Some studies have shown higher nutrient levels in organic fruit and vegetables compared with conventionally grown products. Along with taste and sweetness, the texture as well as firmness of the organic foods were also rated higher than those grown conventionally.

To protect future generations

Despite vigorous rinsing of your non-organic fruit and vegetables, there are still around 20-30 various chemical products covering the produce. Standards for safe pesticide use in foods have been based on adult tolerance levels.

When selecting foods to feed your baby and children it makes sense to avoid foods with pesticides, since babies and children are far more vulnerable to the toxic effects of pesticides because of their small size, high metabolisms, immature digestive and detoxification system. “More than 1 million children between the ages of 1 and 5 ingest at least 15 pesticides every day from fruits and vegetables. More than 600,000 of these children eat a dose of organophosphate insecticides that the US federal government considers unsafe, and 61,000 eat doses that exceed benchmark levels by a factor of 10 or more.”

To improve our water quality

Did you know almost 30% of phosphates in our sewage system are caused by the use of products like shampoo and cleaning detergents?

Helps prevent soil erosion

Agricultural soil is eroding at a higher rate than it is built up naturally. Conventional farming methods rely heavily on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides that harm the soil ecosystem. Organic farming improves soil fertility for future generations.

Saves energy

Convention farming methods adopt the use of synthetics, which in turn uses more energy to manufacture. Organic farming practices are based on labor intensive work such as hand weeding, to grow quality produce.

It’s better for the environment

For the organic farmer, the soil and its natural fertility are paramount. Various non-artificial methods, such as mixed farming systems that integrate a range of crops with rearing livestock and crop rotation, are used to keep the soil in good health and replace essential nutrients. Appropriate varieties, beneficial predatory insects and companion planting help build resistance to pests and diseases. Naturally strong crops grown in fertile soil will take up a richer nutrient supply.

It supports a sustainable future

When you buy a certified organic product you are helping to support sustainable farming methods. These methods do not pollute the ground, surface water or the air. They also contain no toxic substances and are therefore good for farmers, farm workers or their families.

Reference:

Food for Thought: The Case for Reforming Farm Programs to Preserve the Environment and Help Family Farmers, Ranchers and Foresters, pages 12-13, found at Environmental Defense Fund website. Original source: Environmental Working Group, Overexposed: Organophosphate Insecticides in Children’s Food, 1998, pp. 1-3