While perusing the aisles of a grocery store or shopping for organic items, there is an astonishing difference in cost between conventional and organic brands. This even applies to cleaning products, which tend to be cheaper without an all-natural or organic label. We know organic, natural products are healthier for our bodies and our homes. Whether it is what we put into our bodies or what comes in contact with our bodies we want a toxic-free and chemical-free safe product. But living “green” should also be affordable. So why does it seem more costly to be organic?! Logically it would seem the closer we are to the Earth, the better our health. It would also seem that the closer we get to what is natural it should cost less due to less processing, less handling, and more locally grown products. Unfortunately, we have swayed so far from what is natural that ‘organic’ and ‘all-natural’ more difficult to obtain. Because so many corporations have claimed “natural” on their labels or have incorrectly labeled something organic, there has to be a special standard and rating for what is natural and organic so that consumers are not duped. Even with these checks and balances it can still be difficult to know what is all natural and what is truly organic.
Where is My Money Going?
Real organic cleaners are made with 100% organic ingredients. It should not be difficult to find the ingredients and know exactly what they are made of. They should be safe for humans and pets alike. They should be all-natural! There is no reason that a chemical-free home has to be an expensive one. However, when we talk about produce and meat products there is a lot of special treatment that goes into ensuring that it is worthy of the “Certified Organic” seal of approval. Special care has to be taken during growing, processing, and transportation to avoid cross-contamination between conventionally grown food and organically certified food. The food supply is more limited as there are no toxic pesticides or herbicides used to control the natural environment. It takes more effort on the part of the farmer to ensure a healthy crop. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations noted some of the additional factors for the production of organic products:
- “Environmental enhancement and protection (and avoidance of future expenses to mitigate pollution). For example, higher prices of organic cash crops compensate for low financial returns of rotational periods which are necessary to build soil fertility;
- Higher standards for animal welfare;
- Avoidance of health risks to farmers due to inappropriate handling of pesticides (and avoidance of future medical expenses);
- Rural development by generating additional farm employment and assuring a fair and sufficient income to producers”
There is a Solution!
There is a solution to the price gap! Each of us has a responsibility to buy Earth-friendly products. The more you buy organic and support your local farmer the more money goes into a system that is struggling to survive. The United Nations even acknowledged this:
“As demand for organic food and products is increasing, technological innovations and economies of scale should reduce costs of production, processing, distribution and marketing for organic produce,” (fao.org, 2014).
It seems like a simple solution, and it is! If you have not already, whenever possible find ways to switch your current products to all natural and organic. Start with purchasing the produce that is on the “dirty dozen” list we posted in a previous blog, and check your cleaning labels. Look for all-natural ingredients to ensure the safety of your family. Supporting the organic farmer enables them to work toward an organic world!
Applications & Resources
- GO read more of what the United Nations has to say about growing and purchasing organic
- GO here for a refresher on what to buy organic and what you could buy conventionally to help with cost
- CHECK OUT the iGOZEN All-Natural and Organic Everyday Cleaner, the Fruit/Veg Wash, and the Meat/Fish wash to ensure what you are buying has not been tainted with cross-contamination!
