page: home > NFU Mutual lifestyle > going organic

Going organic

Going organic in the home means using products made with organic ingredients and is bound to involve making some changes to your lifestyle.

If you are a gardener, going organic means giving up some old habits and adopting new, more environmentally friendly techniques.

Synthetic pesticides are not used in the organic garden, but don’t despair! You will be amazed and fascinated by the number of alternative strategies there are for managing pests and diseases.

In the home, your eating and shopping habits will alter when you adopt an organic lifestyle. Apart from the food and drink you consume, textiles, personal hygiene products, household cleaners, even cut flowers and stationery are all available to the organic consumer with new organic options constantly being launched.

Organic lifestyle - our top tips:

• Grow as much of your own food as you can – organically of course! If you live in the city, grow some potatoes in a bucket or some salads in a window box. If you have more space, start a kitchen garden.

• When you go shopping, check that the items you buy are labelled organic. Organic producers adhere to stringent codes of practice and certification of their business (which is required by law) guarantees that your expectations as an organic consumer will be met.

• Take an interest in the natural world and how the things you use in your life affect it. The organic movement was started by a group of individuals with shared principles and objectives who were looking for alternative answers to some fundamental questions. Follow their example, find out how your goods and services are produced or generated and you will then be able to make more rational decisions about the choices you make in everyday life.

• Feel good about being a consumer again. Going organic guarantees wholesome ingredients and consideration for the environment.

• Finally, don’t be put off if organic goods cost a little more. An organic lifestyle will repay you in many ways and you will be secure in the knowledge that you are making the best use of our natural resources. The Rolls Royce principle applies to the organic market with suppliers and manufacturers producing up to a standard rather than down to a price.

Useful sites

www.aboutorganics.co.uk - A guide to adopting an organic lifestyle.

Related articles

Going green
Wildlife gardens