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Organics(2)
Organics(2)
As I promised, I am back today to talk a little bit more about how a person such as myself can survive on an Organic and local diet on a students’ budget. I am here to tell you people that though the statistics are stacked against you, the opportunities are all right there in front of you to take advantage of. Even though I was raised in an environment where I have been buying these types of foods all of my life, I still had to learn how to buy foods and how to budget in a place away from home like this and it was nothing short of difficult.
For me the biggest key to making the transition to an entirely local and Organic diet is to remember that it is just that. We are trying to save the world and make ourselves much healthier as soon as possible, but we can’t do it all in one day. I am quite radical compared to many of my close friends when it comes to this and I still this that it is always a process of growth and inclusion. If your personal budget doesn’t allow you to make the entire cart beam with Organic beauty, then don’t worry about it. IF you can go to the farmer’s market and get what you need and only supplement some things from the grocery store, that is better than most. I think that when you get in to the habit of feeling guilty for not being a complete Organic or completely local foods shopper, then you are just hurting yourself and those you come in contact with. Just stay positive about it. It is all a long process like anything else in life.
On a more practical and individual level, there are some things to pay attention to when you are forced to make these decisions. Some foods are basically the same when they are Organic and when they are conventional. Some foods like grapes and apples just drink up and retain pesticides until you digest them. Foods like these are the ones you want to never compromise on if you are dedicated because these are the ones that are causing the most damage. Then there are foods that are much better not purchased at all if you are concerned with local foods issues. Many of the fruits that we buy are not from this country, or they are from the other side of the country. If you live on the east coast and get oranges from California, you are burning something like a gallon of gas for that one orange to get to your hands. To me that seems absurd when I can grow strawberries or blueberries around here and be just fine.
It surely is a huge issue when you really get down to the nitty gritty like this, but in the end it is all about your own personal battles and priorities. IF you are driven crazy by the energy wasted in this country around or food transportation scheme, then locals are for you. If you are more worried about what is going in to your body when you bite in to that mutated corn then Organics may be your route. Like I said, it all depends on what is most important to you in your food choices.