The organic living movement is gaining more popularity. Organic sections in grocery stores are expanding; new types of organic products keep popping up and, despite the recession, new organic shops are emerging.

So what is the catch? Is it due to the hard work of brilliant marketing folks, who, as we know, can make us believe anything (like that the Snuggie is really cool)? Or is it due to increased allergies, cancer rates and chronic diseases, which make people more cautious of what they eat and how they live?

Does it really matter if the bread you eat has 50 ingredients, half of which you don’t know how to pronounce, or has four which you easily recognize? Is organic living really worth the effort?

Does it really matter if a chicken you eat has been pumped with antibiotics, growth hormones and medications (to which you, by the way may be allergic), or lived a short but happy life eating organic products and spending time outdoors?

Yes, it does matter. Not only for those chickens, but for you, your family, future generations and the environment.

It is hard to describe all the benefits of organic living in one post, so for now let’s just highlight them:
Firstly, organic foods are more nutritious. They have higher levels of disease-fighting antioxidants and contain up to 50% more vitamins and minerals than farmed foods.

Secondly, organic foods are not genetically modified. Do you know how safe genetically modified products are? No? Neither do I. Actually, no one really knows, because very little data exists on safety of genetic modification. Even though there are plenty of reasons to be concerned, the research was either not done or done and shaded, because of the unwanted results.

Thirdly, organic farming uses natural chemical-free products in contrast to industrial pesticides, fertilizes and chemicals, which are used in intensive farming. Many people develop allergies to these chemicals because of overexposure and spend thousands of dollars on doctors and medication.

Fourthly, organic tastes better. Bite an organic apple and then try a non-organic one. You will taste the difference.

Fifthly, organic food is safer for the planet. Organic farming releases less toxic elements into the environment; it doesn’t pollute water and improves soil quality.

Yes, it can be pricey, but it will save you money in the long run.

The good news is – it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are ways for organic living on a budget. Here is my post on how to shop organic on a budget.