According to the National Resources Defence Council (NRDC), organic food is characterized by the use of environmentally safe growing methods. Organic food must be grown without the use of pesticides or genetic modifications (See Resources, NRDC). The World's Healthiest Foods (WHFoods) goes into more detail. Organic farming is the alternative to chemically-based farming. Organic farmers rotate crops, which discourages the accumulation of pests and promotes soil fertility. Encouraging healthy soil is environmentally sound for future crops. Organic food production protects ground water from dangerous chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers (See Resources, WHFoods).
The freshest food is grown locally. Macrobiotic food advocates know the environmental, not to mention the health, advantages of eating foods in season and from the region in which one lives. According to Food Routes, local food has green advantages for the planet. When food does not travel great distances, carbon emissions are reduced (See Resources, Food). All aspects of long distance travel are minimized or avoided. When local farmers are encouraged by profits, the cycle of local food to table is strengthened. Even the local economy improves. When people buy organic locally grown food, they enjoy the freshest food possible. When consumers vote with their dollar, they send messages to agribusiness that the air and the soil we have are not for sale.
Organic fresh food is available year round, though consumers need to adjust their purchasing practices. Currently, much of our food travels thousands of miles, often from foreign countries, to reach our tables. This is not the normal, natural cycle. Consumers need to learn to eat produce in season. Imagine anticipating summer's ripe and juicy fruits, fresh from the local organic farmer's market. Settle down to a hearty winter simmering stew, rich with root vegetables. Fresh, in season foods satisfy like nothing else.
The benefits of consuming fresh organic food year round extend beyond the health of human beings. WHFoods refers to the chemical model of farming versus the organic model. The environmental benefits are worth pondering in an age of global climate change and general environmental crisis. Organic food is grown without pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. Organic farming promotes healthy soil, and conserves and protects water supplies and ground water. Organic farming promotes a self-restoring biosystem (See Resources, WHFoods). Local organic farming is a sustainable model.
Finding fresh organic food year round is not difficult. Grocers, farmers markets and your own efforts can guarantee access to healthy food throughout the year. Whole food grocers offer an array of fresh organic food in all seasons and are prevalent in most regions of the country. Many natural grocers take pride in offering seasonal organic produce and organically-raised fresh meat. The drive toward health consciousness has found its way into traditional supermarkets, which usually have organic produce sections. Supermarkets often sell a limited selection of organically-raised meat. Check your local newspapers and community online bulletin boards for information about farmers markets in your area. Some farmers markets operate year round. Many sell organic produce and freshly-canned fruits, vegetables and preserves. Visit the online resource, PickYourOwn to learn all there is to know about canning, pickling and making preserves. Buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables in season and put them up for fresh and delicious food through less agriculturally productive seasons. Community colleges and free universities usually offer classes in canning. This may be the most rewarding idea of all. Enjoy a sense of pride when you serve organic fresh food you prepared with your own effort.