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Should we be eating more organic produce?

Date

Written by
Katherine Veck, UoL Sustainability Team

‘Organic September’ is a month-long campaign by the Soil Association UK, celebrating the dedication that goes into growing organic produce – a process that works with nature, not against it.

Farming organically is an important way in which we can reduce the pressure our food systems exert on earth's natural systems.

Every time you choose organic, you’re voting for a system of farming that is better for the planet, better for nature and better for the people who dedicate their time to growing organic and healthy plants.

Food systems are responsible for a third of all global anthropogenic GHG emissions [PDF]. According to the Soil Association, if Europe’s farmland all followed organic principles, agricultural emissions could drop by 40-50% by the year 2050. This is because organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions by restricting the use of fertilisers and pesticides (which come from fossil fuels) whereas conventional intensive farming can degrade soil and negatively impact water and air quality.

Person holding a basket full of vegetables.

However, there are barriers to eating organic: it can cost more, it can be hard to access organic produce in certain areas, or perhaps you live somewhere where your produce isn’t labelled so you can’t be sure either way. Where organic food is available, but it costs more, perhaps you could consider switching one of your usual items to organic per week or per month.

A question you might wonder is if you should only buy organic fruit and vegetables. The short answer is no. The most important thing you can do for your overall health is introducing more fruits and vegetables into your diet, no matter if they're conventionally grown or organic. Fruit and vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre which are essential for wellness.

If you choose to buy organic produce, you may want to prioritise items in the list below, so called the ‘Dirty Dozen’ by the EWG. This is because they are higher in pesticide residues which affect the environment and can be a risk to human health.

  1. Strawberries
  2. Spinach
  3. Kale, Collards and Mustard Greens
  4. Grapes
  5. Peaches
  6. Pears
  7. Nectarines
  8. Apples
  9. Bell Peppers
  10. Cherries
  11. Blueberries
  12. Green beans

But the bottom line is that the more plant diversity you can eat the better, so don't let this list dissuade you from including any fruits and vegetables in your diet!

Want to learn more about how to get a healthy, varied diet? We have an activity just for you over on your Student Portal.

This page was last updated on 11 September 2024

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