Ultimate Guide to Organic Living

The term organic refers to the way of processing and growing agricultural products. In the United States, it is stated that organic crops must be grown without using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or bioengineered genes (GMOs). Organic living is a way of life that is dedicated to making more informed decisions when faced with the decisions of influence on your environment and health. It is a way of life that promotes sustainable development. 

Living an organic lifestyle is an approach that eliminates unnecessary waste such as water waste and food waste by rainwater harvesting and composting. Organic living is a like-minded community that encourages each other to grow their vegetables and fruits. Also, it encourages the application of natural methods such as in work, daily life, play, and whenever possible. One enjoys organic living with all the mental and physical health benefits.  You can check out legit Organic Product Reviews here. 

Ultimate Guide to Organic Living

You make an informed decision in organic living to buy the products that are made from 100% recycled plastics wherever possible. Also, to avoid pollution, you avoid harsh chemicals that will endanger the wildlife, marine life, and other lives on this planet. An organic living lifestyle is based on three principles: reduce, recycle and regrow. 

Reduce 

It is extremely important to try to reduce the impact on the environment. As a community, we can try to reduce the use of single-use plastic items. Also, the use of Earth’s precious resources such as water, fuel, and food can be reduced. We can make a difference in the environment by opting for organic living. The small changes we make can make huge differences. You can stop buying products that you don’t need.  

You can make a shopping list for the week that is an easy and simple way to cut down on food waste. This principle can be applied to single-use items too such as drinks that are sold in plastic bottles with plastic straws. You can try to buy items that last a lifetime. It has been possible now to purchase cleaning products that come with all-natural ingredients in reusable containers. 

If we start making little changes, we can help to reduce the tons of trash that accumulate in the landfills. 

Recycle 

Now is the time to recycle plastics. We can encourage the companies’ recycling efforts by purchasing products that are made from 100% recycled plastics. Remember recycling is not only about plastics. The tons of food waste as mentioned above can be recycled into amazing fertilizer for the garden. Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce garden and food waste. It can be adopted by every household. 

All types of composters are available to meet the needs of any home. The hot composters process the waste produced by the large gardens and homes to the containers to allow the indoor composting. 

Food is a precious resource that is taken for granted by most people. We use water every day without even thinking about it. We boil the kettle, brush our teeth, wash our clothes, water the plants, etc. When we use sprinklers to water the plants, we use as much water in an hour as a family of four a day. 

For better use of water sources, the rain collection and barrel system can be used. It will collect the rainwater for usage. Rainwater can be collected from a variety of locations such as roof, greenhouse, garage, etc. For this purpose, you will need an inverter and filters so that you can store the rainwater for the plants. Saving water means you save energy, reduce carbon dioxide emission, etc. This will help to live an organic living. 

Regrow 

Growing your vegetables and fruits has a myriad of benefits. It is beneficial for both, you and the environment. You and the people are around you will be able to eat chemical-free and nutritious foods that come straight from the garden to the plate. This is organic living. As a result, you will not only reduce the carbon emission that is produced while transporting the food, but also you will negate the need for harmful plastic packaging. 

Growing products is an easy task to do if you have growing kits and accessories. They allow you to grow tomatoes, green salads, strawberries, and much more. To grow your potatoes, you can use grow bags. Grown and regrowing the plants, vegetables, and fruits means that you are controlling the food that you eat. As a result, the biggest benefit you will be getting from organic living is sharing the organic food with the rest of the community. 

Other Principles of Organic Living 

Effective Land Use 

The principle of effective land use makes the people realize that efficient land use can protect wildlife. Also, it aims to help create new habitats and restore biodiversity. The integration of practices and efficient land use can help to protect the environment around us. As the stewards of the planet’s natural environment, smart actions such as effective land use are one of the essential practices in organic living. 

Sustainable Water Usage 

Efficient water usage in manufacturing, construction, and farming is one of the principles of organic living. This principle emphasizes the need to promote good water use practices. Sustainable water usage practice can be done by designing the water management system. These systems should be capable of solving the problems such as protection of water, flooding, and waste of water. Also, to protect the water sources from destruction and contaminations. 

Supporting Organic Foods

Organic living and sustainable agriculture are some of the essential principles that insist on human and sustainable agriculture. It helps to promote the availability of healthy, organic, and local foods. Also, the seasonal food and low impact enhance sustainable agriculture practices. Food waste is not recommended that is why you should support local agriculture. The organic production of different foods can be purchased from the local markets. 

Sustainable Materials 

Sustainable materials refer to durable, efficient, and healthy products. For example, the locally manufactured from waste or renewable resources and locally sourced with little embodied energy are sustainable materials. There are various ways to reduce manufacturing waste. 

  • Efficient Inventory Management 
  • Waste Reduction Audits 
  • Plant Production Properly 
  • Reducing Lead Times 
  • Identifying Major Water Sources
  • Maintain and Improve 
  • Reduce Packaging 
  • Recover, Reuse, Sort 
  • Preventive Maintenance 
  • Manage Bins Better 
  • Minimize Water Usage

How To Live an Organic Lifestyle

Most people think of organic living as just food. It means that people try to avoid foods having pesticides or fertilizers. However, there are other ways to lead a more organic living as well. You can use cleaning products made with organic ingredients. Also, you can reduce the amount of waste and find other means of transportation for your daily use. 

Simply, living an organic lifestyle allows you to adopt a healthy lifestyle where you reduce waste and carbon emissions in various ways. 

Eating Organically

Purchasing Organic Foods 

Eating organic food not only promotes a good environment but also improves your health. eating non-organic foods means that you are consuming different chemicals that build up in your body. The most important thing about organic foods is that they are nutritious and taste better. 

For example, look for eggs that are certified organic. It means that the birds were not fed hormones or antibiotics. On the other hand, if you are concerned about animal welfare, then you should look for humane raised and handled birds or free-range birds. These types of birds are not caged and they have the opportunity to come out and live like normal chickens. 

Certified dairy products and meats mean that the animals did not receive synthetic hormones or antibiotics. Synthetic hormones or antibiotics speed up the journey of the animals to the slaughterhouse. Also, it protects the animals from falling ill. As a result, when they are slaughtered, these chemicals survive in the cooking process and then enter your body. Some chemicals can grow inside your body which can be harmful to you. 

Buy Locally 

Depending on your geographical location, the fresh vegetables and fruits can be limited due to sources. Buying locally can support the local economy and reduce the greenhouse gases that are produced while transporting food from other countries. 

You can visit the local farmers’ market to find locally produced vegetables and fruits. If you are not having a local farmers’ market, then you can visit any small organic store near you. These stores stock up the locally produced vegetables and fruits. 

Nowadays, the common practice of delivering boxes of organic vegetables and fruits has become popular. These boxes are available in most areas usually sourced by the local farmers. The best thing about it is that it will encourage you and people around you to try vegetables and fruits that you have never tried before. 

Organic foods should be produced without using pesticides or fertilizers. When you buy any food saying certified organic, it does not mean that it is organic food. Make sure that you confirm the production process from the seller. You can ask them that what products were used to grow it and from where it came.

Make Your Meals 

More and more organic restaurants have been emerging since everyone wants to go organic and green. You might not know that where the products are coming from unless you bought and cooked them yourself. If you want to lead a fully organic life, then avoid eating out as much as possible.

This does not mean that you can never eat out in your life again but you can limit the special occasions of eating at restaurants. In this case, sometimes you can visit a restaurant for dining out but try to choose a restaurant that promotes organic ingredients. Make sure that you have researched the restaurant’s preaching and practices. 

Start Your Own Organic Garden 

Another way of reducing the amount of waste produced is to grow your vegetables. If you do so, you will be reducing the plastic bag and packaging of organic food. You can start your organic garden. It will help you to save money because you only have to buy basic supplies such as seeds to start your organic garden.

You will be able to grow different types of vegetables and fruits in your organic garden that will keep you healthy and safe. Gardening is one of the great hobbies for most people. They find it as a rewarding and relaxing hobby. A 4 x 4-foot patio will be able to grow all the vegetables one person can eat. The small planters can provide you green vegetables and herbs to complement the meals. 

Incorporation of Organic Products

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

There is nothing specific that makes a cleaning product organic. Natural cleaning products are more expensive than traditional cleaning products. If you want to implement the use of organic cleaning products in your daily life, then look for products free of phosphates and phthalates. 

Be careful with the greenwash because it refers to the marketing campaign. The product manufacturers try to convince the customers that their products are environmentally friendly, natural, and ecological. It is not true in many cases. Most green cleaners contain palm oil as an ingredient. Palm oil is having a huge and negative impact on the environment. 

The palm oil plantation invades habitats and displaces wildlife. It means you should be looking for the palm oil in the ingredient list. If it is in the list, it is non-organic. You can choose natural cleaning and disinfectants. To make a natural and homemade cleaning product, you can use lemon juice, baking soda, white vinegar, salt, etc. These natural products will clean your home effectively. It is safer than the other popular products.

Choose Hygiene and Beauty Products Wisely 

In the cosmetic industry, the term organic or natural is not regulated as it is used in the food industry. At the moment, there is no way of knowing whether the products are organic or not. However, you can look for environmentally-friendly cosmetic products. These products should be made of natural ingredients

For example, the soaps are composed of pure essential oils or other oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc. 

Purchase Used Clothing

Many thrift stores sell clothes that have barely been worn. In these stores, you can find great deals. If you plan on living an organic lifestyle, then wearing second-hand clothes can be a great way to reduce the impact on the environment. You will have a different shopping experience if you are buying clothes from a thrift store than a reputable store. 

When you go to buy something from the thrift store, you should be knowing that what you will buy instead of buying unwanted things. If you don’t want to wear second-hand clothes, then you should look for brands that promote organic living. These brands use organic material for the manufacturing of the clothes. 

As people are getting aware of environmentally friendly products, organic clothing stores are popping up everywhere. If there is no organic brand store in your city, then you can look for online stores that provide organic clothing. 

Getting Around

Fuel-Efficient Car 

If you don’t own a hybrid car, then consider upgrading to a car having better gas mileage. If you already own a better gas mileage vehicle, then try to avoid unnecessary traveling. To make it possible, you can combine the errands in one trip. 

If you don’t need to drive very often, then you can consider selling your car. You can sign up for the ridesharing programs that allow you to use a car in an area for a small fee. As a result, you will be saving a lot on maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. Also, you don’t have to hassle to look for a place to park your car. 

Alternative Methods of Transportation 

If you want to go to a place that is within the walking distance, then you can cycle there. Driving is one of the most popular ways to get around in countries like the United States. But if you plan on an organic living lifestyle, then you can walk or ride a bike to reach your destination. It will help you to get fresh air while doing other things. 

For example, walking to the grocery store and buy required things is the most organic way to move. Walking does not require special equipment to reach different destinations and it keeps you healthy.

Take Public Transportations 

The United States lags far behind many other countries when it comes to public transportation. Some cities are working on the improvement of the public transportation options. You can take a look at what your city has to offer. When you plan on living an organic lifestyle, look for the options if there is a bus route to your work or places you visit frequently. 

If you can find one, then instead of driving, you can use public transportation. In the United States use of public transportation is not a normal or common norm. So, you don’t have to be afraid to go against the grain. 

People might find it funny that you are taking a bus to the supermarket, whereas, everyone is driving. But if you can inspire others to use public transport within the city, then you can spread the organic living lifestyle.

Organic Label Matter Most

Fruits and Vegetables That Must Be Organic 

According to the Environmental Working Group, the testing results of pesticides in some of the fruits and vegetables has marked them with the highest levels of pesticides. To live an organic lifestyle, you must buy the following fruits and vegetables with organic labels:

  • Apples

  • Cucumbers 

  • Potatoes

  • Cherry Tomatoes

  • Summer Squash

  • Peaches

  • Strawberries

  • Sweet Bell Peppers

  • Celery

  • Grapes

  • Kale/Collard Greens

  • Nectarines (Imported)

  • Spinach

  • Hot Peppers

The conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables had lower levels of pesticides don’t need an organic label. These are known as clean 15 that you can buy without the organic label. 

  • Asparagus

  • Mushrooms

  • Sweet Corn

  • Kiwi

  • Onion

  • Pineapple

  • Sweet Potatoes

  • Cantaloupe

  • Avocado

  • Cabbage

  • Eggplant

  • Mango

  • Papaya

  • Sweet Peas (Frozen)

  • Grapefruit

Benefits of Organic Living

There are many benefits of organic living. It does not limit the impact on the natural environment but it also redefines the lifestyle. Organic living promises good health and reduced cost of living. 

Your physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as the environment, can all be significantly impacted by how your food is cultivated or grown. People with sensitivities to foods, chemicals, or preservatives may discover that their symptoms reduce or disappear when they eat solely organic foods since organic foods frequently offer more benefits compared to their equivalents cultivated traditionally, including antioxidants.

Health Benefits 

Organic living is the best way to achieve a better physical shape and balance in life. The health benefits are attributed to low reliance on the vehicle or machinery. Also, the consumption of high-quality food products that are organic or bought locally provides you best health benefits. 

A little reliance on vehicles or use of machinery such as walking, cycling, performing tasks manually will help you to stay in shape at all times. Organic living encompasses natural lighting and appreciation for nature. It improves happiness and reduces depression in your daily life. 

Stable Planet for Future Generations 

The most important reason for organic living decisions is to protect the environment. It is to ensure its stability and its existence for future generations. The use of solar energy, use of non-toxic materials, reduction of environmental footprint, and the efficient use of the planet’s resources will help us to ensure the stability of the current and future environment

As people are adopting organic living, greenhouse gas emissions are gradually declining. It is an indication of a stable planet for generations to come. 

Cost Savings 

People have been looking for simple ways to lower the cost of living. The organic lifestyle is the surest way to lower the cost of living. It involves the consumption of natural resources of the planet. 

For example, energy-saving equipment, water consumption, efficient heating, and light, can be achieved by applying water-saving techniques, going green, smart lighting solutions. 

Durable Products

Changing the conventional lifestyle to an organic lifestyle means the purchasing and usage of sustainable, sufficient, and environmentally friendly products. For example, instead of using furniture of expensive and high-quality wood, you can use handcrafted bamboo furniture. It is because it lasts longer and is quite sufficient. 

Other durable, sustainable and affordable materials made from waste or recycled products are also an example of organic living. They contribute to the protection of the environment from the pollutant and contaminants.

Maximizing Energy 

The use of passive ventilation systems, water recycling techniques, passive solar design, rainwater harvesting, and waste management ensures the maximization of energy. Also, it encourages the efficient use of water resources. As a result, you will be having reduced utility bills and wasted resources with a comfortable home

Organic produce contains fewer pesticides

In traditional agriculture, synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are frequently utilized, and their residues stay on (and in) the food we consume.

Organic food is often fresher 

Since it has no shelf-extending preservatives. On smaller farms closer to the point of sale, organic produce is occasionally grown (though not always, so be aware of where it comes from).

Organic agriculture generally benefits the environment 

Organic agricultural methods may utilize less energy, less pollution, and less soil erosion while increasing soil fertility. It is better for surrounding birds and animals, as well as for residents who live adjacent to farms, to farm without synthetic pesticides.

Organically raised animals are NOT given antibiotics, growth hormones, or fed animal byproducts

The danger of mad cow disease is increased when animal wastes are fed to livestock, and the usage of antibiotics can result in bacterial strains that are resistant to such drugs. Animals grown organically typically have greater room to roam and access nature, which helps to keep them healthy.

Organic Living – Protecting Environment and Planet 

Adoption of organic living leads to high-quality and fresh products such as vegetables, fruits, beauty products, etc. It is not limited to the food only but other practices that can save the environment from getting polluted such as elimination of plastic use, carbon emissions, organic clothing materials, etc. Instead of wasting natural resources, we can preserve them by using alternative resources. We can reduce, recycle, and regrow to save the resources for generations to come. 

An organic lifestyle cannot be adopted easily. It requires a lot of courage to reduce the reliance on different products, such as clothing, means of communication, machinery, etc. Nowadays, people want to live an easy life where they can get everything on their doorsteps. On the other hand, people are getting aware of the fact that the resources are reducing decade by decade. So, they are moving to energy-efficient products to cut down the cost of living. Hence, you should be living with the motto of Go Green!

Additional Ways To Be Organic, but on a Budget

Consumer goods produced in a cleaner, more ecologically friendly manner, such as organic food, sometimes receive a poor name for being more expensive. Yes, these items can be and frequently are more expensive than their traditional counterparts, and on this point alone, that reputation is generally fairly warranted. However, there are methods to mitigate the prices so that your entire outlay for switching to organic food will not be significantly more than what you are already paying, and perhaps even somewhat lower.

Here’s how

Buy Direct from the farm

In general, organic markets and the organic department of your local grocery store are more expensive than farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture programs. Farmers also provide the finest recipe advice, so you can be sure to get the best seasonal flavors.

Buy store brands

Offering their organic products has been a resounding success for supermarkets and major discounters. Offerings under private labels are growing and are more affordable than major brands.

Make your own

Processed organic food items can cost significantly more than their conventionally produced counterparts, and processed food as a whole is always more expensive than the sum of its constituent components. Make your granola cereal rather than purchasing it. Do you want to give your kid the healthiest and freshest meals possible? You can control the quality of the components and the preparation when you create them from scratch. Prepare organic meals at home. By simply utilizing organic components, practically any recipe may be converted to an organic version.

Buy in bulk

Purchasing in bulk is always more affordable than purchasing prepared, smaller pieces.

Learn your labels

The language and jargon used in the organic industry might be a bit confusing, especially when you are initially getting started. Avoid purchasing “natural” products while seeking “organic” when you are monitoring your money.

Learn what to buy organic and what not to buy organic

There are certain organic foods and food items that are well invested in, but there are others that you can pass up and save money on.

Start your co-op

Want to purchase a side of organic beef or pork, but lack storage space or worry you will not consume it quickly enough? Join forces with like-minded people to split the cost and benefit.

Grow your own

A plant or two may generally be supported on even the tiniest balcony. You may start an organic garden by planting a tomato plant and possibly a pepper plant in those containers. Indoor herbs perform well on a sunny windowsill.

Make your cleaning products

The components of natural cleaning solutions, including baking soda, vinegar, borax, and washing soda, are as inexpensive as they come. manufacturing items from them costs around one-tenth as much as manufacturing products from their commercial equivalents. Add up all of the money you spend on cleaning supplies each month; you might be amazed at how much money you can save.

Get your lawn off drugs

Only a portion of this narrative involves how much money you spend on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Water is required in more significant quantities for artificial chemically managed lawns. Want to lower your watering expenses? Avoid petrochemicals and stick to natural methods.

Do not be a slave to the world of “Organic”

Yes, an organic label may serve as a guarantee of a product’s quality and purity. However, there are lots of good decisions that may be taken without using the term. For instance, if you are feeding your dog organic foods, purchasing him a tin of certified organic dog biscuits could seem like the right move, especially because you can check the ingredients by pointing to the organic label. However, your town may have a pet store that sells handmade dog treats. Additionally, the baker may utilize items from her garden. She could also cultivate organic gardens. Additionally, she might not use any fillers or preservatives in her products. They undoubtedly look nice.

Be not a snob of organics. As you delve deeper into the organic world, you will discover that very few of the things it contains are certified organic, and for some excellent reasons, so do not pass on good products and healthy food because they are not branded “certified organic.”

Make your beauty products

Many cosmetic products purchased from stores are packed with fillers, dangerous chemicals, and ingredients whose names you have no idea what they do. Making your cosmetic products allows you to control the ingredients and is more affordable. For instance, I frequently use coconut oil as a hair treatment, body lotion, and teeth-whitening product. It is just only one ingredient that is affordable (over time because a jar lasts a long time) and is effective.