Buying organic foods

Organic foods are grown, stored and packed without the use of toxic chemicals, with a view to a more holistic process that benefits the environment, the soil and humans.

Many studies show that organic foods have more nutrients than foods grown conventionally - this could be because organic foods are grown in nutrient rich soils that are fed organic fertilizers and composts, which are so good for the soil, ensuring it is rich and fertile.

There are many options today for buying organic foods:

• Farmers markets - your local farmer's market is a great place to find certified organic, chemical free or non-pesticide foods that are in season from you local farmers. They will also stock conventionally grown foods, but at least they will be fresh. Farmer's markets are a great way to support your local community and reduce your carbon footprint by buying food that is local
• Food co-ops - there are many food co-ops all around the country, at least one in every large city, where you can buy many different types of food (both products and dry goods) in bulk. Most of the food that co-ops stock is organic, but they may also stock some conventional foods (usually dry produce), if they cannot find the organic version. Food co-ops are a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint
• Health food stores - most health food stores will store some forms of dry produce, from rice, pasta, flours, nuts, seeds, legumes and teas, while a few others may also stock consumables such as bread and fresh groceries. Find out from your local health food stores what organic produce they stock. Larger health food stores also have some type of customer loyalty program, where you get special discounts, so this can help you save more money
• Online organic stores - a great number of organic online stores have popped up on the Internet, from organic stores which sell only fresh organic fruits and vegetables with a few dry produce, to super online organic stores which sell everything  - fresh produce, dry produce and personal care products
• Organic grocery stores - a number of organic groceries stores have been opened in larger cities, which stock mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other dry foods in bulk and some packaged dry produce (such as pasta, rice, flour). Larger cities have several organic groceries stores, so find out where you local one is located
• Supermarkets - most supermarkets have a special section for their organic produce, yet others integrate their organic produce with their conventional produce. Ask your local supermarket how they store their organic foods, both groceries and dry foods so that you can find what you want quickly and easily

Look for food that is certified organic to be sure that the food you have purchased is 100% organic - your food will have a sticker on it to denote the certification.