The climate crisis is steadily getting worse. And, it is clear that we need to build sustainable habits into our daily lives, to prevent further harm to the environment.

During these times of crisis, organic food can give assurances of integrity and quality. And with more people than ever preparing food at home, consumers are beginning to appreciate the range of organic options available to them.

Organic September is a month-long campaign that encourages people to build a greener future with sustainable food at its heart.

Started by UK charity The Soil Association, the aim of Organic September is to prevent further damage to the environment. The campaign also seeks to combat ill-health caused by a poor diet, and the decline in wildlife.

The organic market in the UK grew by 12.6% during 2020, and people are currently spending more than £50 million on organic products every week. These numbers should continue to grow and more people need to become educated about the advantages of eating organic.

We take a look at what it means to be ‘organic’ and how you can get involved this September.

What do we mean by ‘organic’?

The term ‘organic’ can be confusing. Simply put, organic relates to natural produce. For example, food is produced without using chemicals, artificial pesticides or fertilisers.

Organic farmers are dedicated to producing food of the highest quality, whilst minimising it’s impact on the environment. They also contribute to the larger food system. These farmers work to a strict standard upheld by EU regulations to ensure farms sustain the health of soils, ecosystems, animals and people.

The benefits of organic food include:

• Supporting bio-diversity and eco-systems
• Helping to prevent further environmental damage and climate change
• Higher standards of animal welfare
• Reduced exposure to pesticides
• Trustworthy farming processes and food you can trust

Most organic food is certified, to ensure that it reaches certain standards. The Soil Association certifies over 70% or organic food in the UK.

How can you get involved?

There are a number of ways to get involved in Organic September. By making simple changes to your daily life, you will reap rewards both for yourself and the environment.

Support local – Supporting your local organic farmers brings a host of benefits. Not only can you enjoy organic food, filled with nutrients from a reliable and trustworthy source you will also be contributing to your local economy.

Grow your own – Championing organic food in your own garden means you can see exactly what is in the food that you’re eating, while positively impacting the biodiversity around you. Planting herbs and vegetables are a great way to get started.

Eat with the seasons – Eating with the seasons cuts down on food miles and subsequent emissions. Importing crops when they are out of season tends to increase the costs, making seasonal produce the cheaper option. When buying with the seasons, you support local farmers. It also means you can connect with the changing seasons, through your plate.

Reduce, reuse, recycle – Sustainability is only possible if we reduce waste. Buying reusable coffee cups, water bottles and food containers can reduce your single-use plastic consumption significantly. Organic refill stations mean you can cut back on waste, while enjoying healthy, nutritious food.

Find your organic community – Whether you are new to the world of organic or already well on your sustainable food journey, engaging with your local organic community has its advantages. You can learn more about organic living, and share knowledge and tips.

Where does Monarch come in?

To embrace a green future, businesses should address daily habits and become more sustainable. Switching to organic food, incorporating sustainable waste management and focusing on energy efficiency are some of the ways you can reduce your environmental impact.

At Monarch, we prioritise sustainability. Our extensive list of services allows us to find the right energy efficient options tailored to your business’s needs. We provide our clients with a range of energy efficient solutions, including enhanced waste management services and sustainable procurement.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help your business move towards a sustainable future.