Organic Style - How to Convert

Living in organic style is not as hard as you think. The best way to approach it is one step at a time. Don’t try to convert to an organic lifestyle all at once because you may get overwhelmed and as a result, more likely to become confused at all the choices you have and simply give up.

Begin with food and drink. The supermarket is beginning to stock organic products since they are seeing a demand for them and they can make more money on them. Learn the definition of organic food before you start buying.

Some local farmers may not have their products labeled “certified organic” for economic reasons (they simply can’t afford the government red tape) but a big supermarket can certainly afford to follow the regulations required to have that USDA label on their organic products. So buyer beware.

If saving money is important to you, find your local farmer’s market and get to know the vendors. Most of them will be willing to talk with you about how they farm their crops and you can get to know the source of your food.

Even in grocery stores, there are ways to manage organic shopping on a budget.

You can also join a local organic food co-op where you can get a consistent supply of quality organic food although this option can also cost a little more than the farmer’s market. It really depends on how it's structured. Over the long term, you may save money.

Don't forget about where and how you store your food. Plastic containers contain bisphenol-A, a chemical that can disrupt your hormones and cause all kinds of health problems.

Skin, Hair and Body also known as personal care products are next. Using organic beauty products is important because 60% of what you put on your body gets absorbed into your body. You would be surprised at the toxic chemicals that are put into personal care products.

Then replace your cleaning chemicals with organic cleaning solutions because you are breathing the fumes from all those synthetic chemicals every time you clean and afterwards since the residue stays on your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. If making your own cleaning products is too time-consuming and complicated, organic cleaners (Seventh Generation is a good one) are available at the store or on the internet.

Whatever you walk on, sit on and sleep on in your home probably has some kind of toxic chemical in it. From the paint on the walls to the carpeting you walk on...from the couch you sit on to the bed you sleep on, you are in contact with dangerous chemicals. You can find organic options for just about everything in your home. Natural mattresses are a great place to start outfitting your home with organic style.

Pet care comes next. Talk to your vet for recommendations on the right food and medications for your pets.

For proper organic lawn care talk to vendors at the local farmer’s market. Also, your local county extension office can also provide you with organic lawn care tips.

Taking Organic Style to the Next Level

If you are really serious and committed to living in organic style, you should consider the materials that are in your home that you live with everyday. Everything that’s in your home, from carpet fibers to bedding to the paint on the walls, could have harmful ingredients that could affect your health.

If you've converted everything else in your home to organic but still feel your health is affected by your living space, consider replacing your carpeting, mattresses and furniture with organic materials. This can be a costly and time-consuming process so be sure it’s a project that you have the time and resources to tackle.

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