The Soil Association is encouraging the public to make small changes to their habits, in order to make a big difference to our environment.
Organic September 2014 is about to kick off. It’s organised by the Soil Association, and the purpose of the event is to celebrate all things organic... food, beauty products and even clothes.
The 2013 campaign saw sales of organic products rise by 9% during September.
How do I take part?
The idea behind Organic September is that the cumulative effect of a lot of people making a small change to their shopping habits will have a positive impact on the environment, animal welfare, and the supply of sustainable foods available in the UK.
Probably the easiest way to take part is by switching something you consume on a daily basis for its organic equivalent. As an example, the Soil Association says that if 20 families switched to organic milk, that would mean one more cow ranging free on clover rich organic pastures.
Other essentials you could swap include eggs, fruit and bread – though outside the realm of food, you could also switch to purchasing organic clothing and cosmetics. You might also consider cutting down on your consumption of meat to make another small change to the environment. Perhaps you could start taking part in Meat Free Mondays?
Helen Browning, Soil Association Chief Executive, says: "While it might not seem like these simple changes could make that much difference, together everyone’s small changes can add up to a really big difference for a kinder, green and better food and farming system."
Helen says that “we can make big strides” towards a healthier world by choosing organic. It helps to protect wildlife, including bees and other pollinators, securing biodiversity in the future.
Win a year’s supply of electricity!
This year, Organic September is being supported by Good Energy, a 100% renewable electricity company. All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning a year’s free electricity from Good Energy is to buy an organic product during September and tell the Soil Association about it. Then you’ll be entered into the prize draw to win this great green prize.
The 2014 Organic Awards
Throughout September, the Soil Association will also be asking the public to vote in the 2014 Organic Awards. This year, the categories have branched out from food and drink to cover everything from skincare to clothing and holidays. Voting commenced on 1st September, and people who get involved will be entered into a prize draw to win a hamper of organic produce.
If you want to know who won the 2013 awards, visit the Soil Association’s website.
Will you be taking part in Organic September? What small changes will you make? Let us know in the comments below.
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