Organic Food - Environmental Shopping Tips

These days its become so "convenient" to do your grocery shopping in the supermarket. Most people prefer to shop for a weeks food supply in one trip and a big attraction of the supermarket is the wide choice on the shelves.

However, many of these goods will have come from all over the world, and to ensure they arrive "fresh", will have used up electricity for refrigeration, preservatives and transport fuel.

Consider some alternative food supplier. Smaller food outlets will tend to specialize, offering quality over quantity.

Buy In-Season Fruit & Vegetables

You will get the best flavors when you buy fruit and vegetables in season. See the table the right to know when it is the best time of the year to buy certain fruit and vegetables.

Shop Local

Use local markets and smaller fruit and vegetable shops. Help keep locals in business and support the community. Shop more frequently and only buy fresh food for a couple of days. This means less waste and fresher food.

Buy Local Produce

Farmers markets are a great alternative and often cheaper than supermarkets. There is no middleman involved so their prices are often lower, not to mention the food is much fresher.

Organic Home Delivery

There are many local organic home delivery services available now. You simply phone, fax or email through your order to the supplier and it arrives on your doorstep. This saves you time and fuel and its more economical for one van to deliver to many homes. Your local supermarket may have a scheme - be sure to ask for organic and GM-free products as businesses respond to consumer demands.

Fair Trade Goods

When possible, buy food which displays the Fair Trade label. Products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, biscuits, drinking cocoa, orange juice, muesli, rice and dried fruits are all available.

Organic Supermarkets

The number of specialist organic supermarkets is increasing and although they may be more expensive for now, you can be sure that all the produce has come from high quality organic suppliers.

Read the Label

When shopping, read the labels carefully. Select items that are low in or free from additives and preservatives and synthetic food colorants. Also try to buy products that are not highly packaged or are packaged in recyclable material such as paper rather than plastic.

Next: Is Organic Food Really More Expensive?

Help us to spread the word: