Key takeaways:

• An organic lifestyle is simple, healthful, and close to nature. It is not only better for your health, but it protects the environment and supports the local economy.
• Going completely organic overnight can be expensive and overwhelming. By starting slowly with a few easy steps, an organic lifestyle can be incorporated more easily and maintained long term. 
• Organic living involves more than just consuming fresh produce; organic products that contribute to healthy and happy living include clothing, wine, beauty products, and more. 

Many people hear the word “organic” and automatically hear “cha-ching” from a cash register. They think it is impossible to achieve an organic lifestyle with a limited budget. Others feel overwhelmed by the idea of introducing organic products into their day-to-day routines; they’re not sure where to start or what to prioritize. While many consumers are intrigued by the idea of introducing organic food products grown in harmony with nature to their diets, they may worry it is too time-consuming or expensive. 

We explore the many benefits of an organic lifestyle and demonstrate how to take the first steps toward it. Buying organic on a budget is possible and involves much more than simply eating organic produce. An organic lifestyle is simple, healthful, and close to nature. 

What makes organic food better?

Organic food is cultivated without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Living an organic lifestyle requires avoiding processed foods made with chemicals and preservatives. Other reasons organic food is superior include: 

• It is better for our planet

One of the biggest advantages to living an organic lifestyle is that it helps preserve planet Earth. Organic farms grow food without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Without these harmful chemicals, organic farmers do not negatively impact ecosystems, the ocean, and wildlife. Under the USDA’s National Organic Program, all organic food must be grown and processed using farming methods that promote biodiversity and recycle resources. 

• Excellent health benefits

Another huge incentive to eating organic food is that it contains the proper nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating organic food into a daily diet provides vitamins and minerals likely missing from a diet of conventional food. With time, this change in diet allows for more energy to exercise, play with the kids, or complete mundane tasks. 

In particular, people who struggle with allergies may find that switching to an organic lifestyle has benefits. An organic diet helps to balance the immune system and provides allergy relief. An organic lifestyle promotes overall wellness and balance.

• Supports local farmers

Many people that eat organically choose to buy from local farms. As a result, an organic diet can support your local economy and allow farms to stay in business. Money stays within the local economy and goes directly to the farmer, instead of to things like marketing and distribution. 

• Promotes the humane treatment of animals

Not only can fruits and vegetables be organic but meat can, as well. Animals on organic farms are raised more humanely and treated differently than those on conventional farms.  Animals on organic farms are given food without animal byproducts, chemicals, or hormones. Also, they are allowed to roam freely. 

Easy steps for incorporating more organic products into your life

How your food is grown or raised can have impacts on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Organic foods often have higher nutrient counts and more antioxidants. They are usually much fresher than conventional foods and can be sold locally. Though they are sometimes more expensive, it is possible to purchase them and stay within your budget. Here are a few tips to go organic without the sticker shock:

• Start with the staples

Start slowly by adding a few organic products to your diet and building it out over time. Some fruits and vegetables have higher pesticide levels than others and are best to buy organic.  These include apples, peppers, cucumbers, celery, potatoes, grapes, cherry tomatoes, kale, summer squash, and strawberries. Other fruits and vegetables are generally lower in pesticides and include avocados, mushrooms, cabbage, sweet corn, mangos, and onions. 

• Check out local food producers and farmer’s markets

Buying organic food does not have to come at an exorbitant price. In fact, buying directly from organic farms or local farmer’s markets can be cheaper than buying from conventional supermarkets. 

One popular means of obtaining organic produce is through a subscription box delivery service. Each week, subscribers receive a box of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables delivered to their doorsteps. Check your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for more information. 

Organic food buying tips:

• Buy in-season fruits and vegetables. They will be the freshest and least expensive when they are in season. Shop around and compare the prices of organic items at grocery stores, farmer’s markets, online marketplaces, and subscription services.
• Read food labels carefully. 

Grow something

Learning about and planting an organic garden can reap delicious harvests for your dining table. Growing a vegetable, herb, and/or fruit garden builds self-esteem, boosts vitamin D, provides stress relief, and is a great activity to share with loved ones. A home-grown garden can produce consistent organic products that haven’t been treated with pesticides. 

Start small at home by growing herbs, tomatoes, or salad leaves. Growing your food can help you eat healthier and save a lot of money. All it takes to start an organic garden is organic seeds and good composting!

An Organic lifestyle is about more than just fruits and vegetables

An organic lifestyle does not have to end with food. Here are other products you can switch to organic:

• Organic Wines 

Organically grown grapes offer a quality of fruit and vibrancy of taste not found in conventional wines. Organically nurtured vine roots penetrate deep into the soil where they absorb the natural minerals that help give the wine an authentic regional taste. 

A glass of healthy wine a day may also be the key to keeping the doctor away! Studies have found that drinking wine supports longevity of life, fights off disease, and increases heart health. 

• Cleaning products

Organic cleaning products come from natural resources such as baking soda, vinegar, borax, etc.  These cleaners are not only safe for users but they are also better for the environment. 

• Artisan beauty products 

Most artisan skincare producers use organic ingredients. Organic soaps, shampoos, and beauty cosmetics are readily available in stores and recommended for their use of all-natural, eco-friendly ingredients. 

• Organic clothing

Organic clothing is made from materials that comply with organic agricultural standards. Organic clothing is composed of cotton, jute, silk, ramie, or wool. Purchasing organic clothing protects skin from harmful chemicals and sustains farmers and workers in the textile industry. 

The organic lifestyle with Domaine Bousquet

Living an organic lifestyle is about consuming organically-grown food, drinks, and other products. There are several benefits to this type of lifestyle, such as improved health, environmental conditions, and animal rights.

Domaine Bousquet believes that by nourishing the land and treating it with respect, it gives back its finest fruits. We are dedicated to farming organically and improving our land’s biodiversity. Peruse our selection of delicious wines and experience the better taste of organic.