There is a growing public perception that companies are ignoring health and
environmental concerns in their quest to maximise profit and in doing so they
ignore other equally important issues such as environmental concerns and local
communities. Businesses such as GuideMeGreen green directory and the co-op
offer a real alternative for people concerned with these issues and with
businesses that combine a strong ethical dimension in tandem with making
profits. Here are some of the main features of organic farming: ? Organic
farming severely restricts the use of artificial chemical fertilisers and
pesticides. ? Instead, organic farmers rely on developing a healthy, fertile
soil and growing a mixture of crops. ? Animals are reared without the routine
use of drugs, antibiotics and wormers common in intensive livestock farming.
Synthetic dyes and ingredients such as Sudan1 were in the national news in
February and can cause cancer. See www.food.gov.uk for further details.
Genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are not allowed under organic
standards. Why Buy Organic? It has never been easier to shop for organic
food, and there has never been so much choice. Every food category now has an
organic alternative. It's also common sense; organic food is good food. Good to
eat, good for the environment, good for the small-scale farmers and the farm
workers who produce it. Chefs across the country are committed to using
organic ingredients because plants from healthy soils and organically fed
livestock provide us with more flavorful food. Organic foods allow true flavour
to shine through unlike other non-organic foods that look and taste good but are
often full of E numbers and artificial flavourings and ingredients. By
supporting local, sustainable and organic farms in your local community you also
support the larger community of which we are all a part. By eating organic food
you are providing the healthiest choice for your family and supporting the farms
that provide us with healthy and ecological neighbourhoods. The ?go local?
food movement is flourishing ? over 15% of people buy organic food locally and
this number continues to rise as the number of farmer?s markets, box schemes,
cafes and restaurants serving organic food increase. GuideMeGreen helps you to
find locally produced foods which are fresher, healthier and more economical. It
cuts down on transport costs and ?food miles? where an average shopping basket
can include fruit and vegetables transported from all over the world. The bug
supermarkets in the UK are about to introduce there own vegetable box schemes.
This is good because the supermarket schemes should encourage more people to buy
organic food and are likely to raise the profile and public awareness of the
benefits of organic box schemes in general. These new organic consumers will
hopefully become convinced of the benefits of organic food and become more
interested in and aware of the advantages of buying local too. The supermarket
schemes could therefore be a positive first step on people's journey to buying
organic, local food generally and perhaps moving on to subscribe to independent
box scheme businesses - as well as supporting other local food outlets like
farmers' markets or independent retailers. The supermarkets themselves may
find their businesses becoming subject to more far-reaching changes, as their
customers are exposed to the principles and practices which inspire the original
local food and grassroots box-scheme movement. Paul Aris works with the Green
and Ethical directory GuideMeGreen.com .This growing green resource lists 100s
of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and Ethical companies, Jobs and Articles
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