What are the Reasons to Buy Organic Food?

Organic foods have become more popular in recent years as the public has become more informed of the health risks posed by some of the chemicals and methods that are used in traditional farming and ranching. There are many different reasons to buy organic foods, and each person is different in choosing to go in this direction. For some people, it is the desire to eat in a healthier manner, free of additives or preservatives. For other people, the reason they buy organic food is to promote the humane treatment of animals. Regardless of the reasons behind the choice, there are a multitude of benefits to the individual buying the organic foods, as well as to the environment that is impacted by the organic food production and sales.

One reason to buy organic food is that these farmers and ranchers have agreed to submit to certain standards of production set by the government as to what makes foods organically grown. These producers refuse to use any additives and preservatives to their produce or meats. They also do not use any hormones or antibiotics in their meat production or dairy production, which makes them healthier for the individuals who consume them, especially children. Another reason to buy organic foods is that there are not any synthetic chemicals that are used to grow the foods, such as fertilizers or pesticides. These farmers use other natural methods of farming to keep the land healthy for the crops to grow and to keep the pests off the crops. In addition, there are no genetically altered plants or animals used in organic foods, making them a better choice for individuals.

Another good reason to buy local organic foods is that it helps to support the local farming and ranching community which has a hard time competing with the mega-farms and ranches. Buying locally also saves on the transportation costs and the harm to the environment due to this transportation. The fuel is not needed in transporting the organic foods, nor is the packaging material needed, so the environment is saved on two fronts by buying from local vendors. There are also reasons to buy organic food for the pets in the home, since cheap pet foods use vegetable and meat meals in them, which mean that it is the waste material that is left after these foods are produced for human consumption. The waste materials do not have many nutrients in them, which leaves the pets deprived of all the nutrients that they need.