How to Save Money on Organic Produce

Source: thegreenfamilia.co.uk

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

If you’re buying organic produce, you already know how good it is for you.

Not only are you taking better care of your body, but you’re helping promote sustainable farming practices. And knowing your food doesn’t contribute to environmental destruction can give you wonderful peace of mind.

But then there’s the cost. The sticker price for organic foods is nearly always higher than the chemical-laden food items nearby.

Sure, you’re saving money in the long run since eating organic is better for your overall health. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t save a little today – especially since there are so many ways to follow an affordable, natural diet.

So here’s how you can save money on organic produce. Follow these steps as best you can, and watch your food costs shrink before your very eyes.

1. When possible, avoid supermarkets.

In addition to higher markups than farmer’s markets or co-ops, corporate chain supermarkets usually sell just about everything out of season.

That means those “fresh” fruits and veggies were shipped to your location from some place far enough away to have a completely different climate. Transporting out-of-season foods from faraway places isn’t only bad for the environment, it’s expensive.

Doing the bulk of your shopping at supermarkets also leads to impulse purchases. The sheer variety of foods you’re exposed to makes you more likely to buy stuff that wasn’t on your list.

And that’s never good for your wallet.

2. Find bargains at the farmer’s market.

The next thing to do is check out your local farmer’s market. If you’re in a large city, you probably have several.

While many of the prices may look about the same as in your supermarket, buying at peak season can help you save on local, organic fruits and vegetables. Since most produce at local markets comes from nearby, you can also avoid additional markups associated with the transportation costs of “exotic” items.

And don’t forget to stop by at the end of the day. Many vendors may be willing to bargain with you if it means they don’t have to bring so much food home with them that evening.

3. Use produce delivery services.

Once you’re a farmer’s market aficionado, see if there’s an organization in your community specializing in organic produce delivery.

You’ll usually order a box with several pre-selected items. While having food sent to your door may cost extra, delivery helps you avoid the markups and likely impulse purchases of supermarkets.

Knowing how much you’re going to spend on produce in a given week – however much the box costs – also helps you stick to a feasible food budget.

4. Grow your own.

And now that you’re really dedicated to a low-cost, local, organic diet, it’s time to get some dirt under your fingernails.

Growing your own organic food is undoubtedly the least expensive way to get it. You’re only responsible for the cost of soil, seed, and organic fertilizers. Everything else is up to nature (and how often you water it).

With a little creativity, buying organic doesn’t have to seem so expensive. Eschewing the perceived convenience of supermarkets, if done intelligently, could end up saving you some dollars in the long run.

And tapping into local resources might just be your best opportunity to save.

Tip: OrganicPortal UK - Organic Food

OrganicPortal NewsRoom

08.01.2012

TOP 3 most read news:

Beirut’s Eco Fashion Boutique is “Green and Glam”
India: Natural and organic foods to rule 2012
Germany - Berlin: Designers flock to GREENshowroom

Besuchen Sie OrganicPortal Newsroom Deutschland
NEW - Organic - Conferences - Events - Fairs