1. Some people sing about organic food like it’s the solution to all of life’s problems. Others think it’s a lot of fuss about nothing. Evidence, however, puts it somewhere between the two, and that’s what you need to consider if you want to go organic.
2. Part of the problem is that although humanity has been eating organic food for as long as it has existed, the research is still only in the early stages. It’s promising, but you’ll still hear lots of caveats. Still, as organic becomes more popular, the studies are only likely to increase. Don’t write it off because the research is still new.
3. Increasing popularity may also be the best way to tackle one of the biggest problems of organic food: accessibility. Not everyone is near a store that sells organic food, and even if they are, they may not be able to afford it. As it becomes more popular, you may have more opportunity to buy.
4. Organic food means you’re less likely to be exposed to pesticides, which can be particularly important for young children or pregnant women. It may also increase the amount of good nutrients you consume.
5. For many people, the biggest advantage of organic food is environmental. It’s better for soil health, wildlife and the wider natural world.
6. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem, and repeatedly dosing farm animals with antibiotics when they’re not even ill is a contributing factor. Organic meat is produced without regular antibiotic use and may therefore reduce the risk.
7. Most food can be organic. It can apply to plants, dairy and meat. It even applies to non-food items such as textiles or toiletries. One thing that can’t be organic is water.
8. You can also be confident when you see an organic label on something because you can’t just use that label willy-nilly. There are strict rules covering the definition of organic, which in the U.S. is regulated by the Department of Agriculture.
9. Then there’s the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which offers support and technical assistance to farmers. That includes helping them if they want to go organic.
10. There are lots of reasons to try going organic. It’s not going to cause you any harm, and you might see some notable benefits for both you and the world around you.
