Organic September: Ways to get involved

You might think it’s impossible to buy organic on a budget, when you’re feeding a family, or - like most people - you have limited time to sit and plan.

But “going organic” isn’t an all-or-nothing change: you can make small, comfortable swaps, and each one is just as important as another. 

The Soil Association, the UK’s largest organic certification body, set up Organic September to raise awareness of its importance and challenge people everywhere to “choose organic”. 

From the essentials in your cupboards to the small statements you make, anyone can get involved in Organic September…

Skip to:

• What makes something organic?
• How do I know if a product’s organic?
• 10 ways you can go organic
• The final say

What makes something organic?

An organic product is something that is sourced naturally and uses no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or livestock feed.¹

It helps to protect our soils, ecosystems, and biodiversity. 

It can also be healthier for us, as the chemicals and pesticides used in fertilisers and on animals can hurt us as well as them. 

Most people associate organic practices with food - especially fruit, veg, and meat - but almost anything can be organic or contain organic ingredients. 

In the EU, all organic products must be certified by a recognised institution. For the UK, the main body is the Soil Association.²

For products to be deemed organic:

• They must be made from ingredients that are sourced naturally rather than synthetically
• For prepacked foods, at least 95% of the ingredients must be organic
• Manufacturers must sell directly to customers in their shop(s)³

How do I know if a product’s organic?

Farmers and businesses legally cannot call their products organic if they’re not certified. 

If you’re buying pre-packaged items, look out for the Soil Association symbol or the EU organic logo on the packaging. 

10 ways you can go organic

1.  Remember storecupboard staples…

It’s not all about fruit and veg: your everyday basics can be organic, too.

Even your morning brew or your throw-it-together weeknight meal can be more sustainable without a second thought.

You can find organic staple foods like:

• Chopped tomatoes
• Lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa
• Flour
• Tea
• Plant milks
• Coconut milk
• Pasta
• Nuts
• Honey

in most supermarkets for not much more than you’d usually pay. And here at H&B we have over 1600 organic foods on offer. 

If you’re taking small steps towards going organic, long-lasting food is a great choice as it’s less likely to go to waste. It also gives you the option to buy in bulk, which can be cheaper long-term. 

Could you make a curry, soup, or cake that’s entirely organic?

2. …and the treats, too

With the essentials out the way, you deserve a little something extra in your trolley.

Many of your favourite treats can be organic, too.

We’ve gone heavy on the chocolate here, but you can also find organic crisps, cheeses, and wines when you’re out and about. 

3. Grow your own

Want to know exactly where your food comes from? Grow it yourself!

It won’t be long before you’ll have your own free supply of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. 

Gardening is also a great way to get outside and help quiet a busy mind.

Just be sure that you’re not using any synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Invest in some organic fertilisers or set up a compost bin to help feed your new garden. 

Successful gardening requires a bit of time, space, and practice. Beginners might find it easiest to start with:

• Tomatoes
• Green beans
• Lettuce
• Herbs
• Apples 
• Strawberries 

Even if it’s just a pot of basil on your windowsill - you’ll know you’re doing your bit. 
 

4. Find local favourites

We know that helping local business is the key to living sustainably, but unfortunately they can be a little pricier than our chain supermarkets and restaurants.

But small changes are changes, too. Maybe you’ll find an organic café to visit with a friend - even if only a few times. 

It’s also possible to find local produce on a budget. Many organic farmers offer fruit and veg subscription boxes, where you pay a set rate to have seasonal produce delivered to your door. 

Some offer “wonky” fruit and veg at a discounted rate. It might be too big, too small, or too strangely shaped for the supermarket, but it tastes just the same! 
 

5. Check your bathroom essentials

Just as with food, swapping out your everyday health and beauty essentials could make a huge change to the amount of ingredients you consume. 

Deodorant, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, menstrual products, and even your vitamins can be organic. 

Again, these are products you could buy in bulk at a cheaper rate and stash away until you need them - because you eventually will. 

Even with a few swaps, who knows what your impact could be over time?

6. Buy a special gift

The number one reason that stops people from buying organic is - you guessed it - the price.⁴

So your loved ones might be grateful to receive something organic as a gift. 

No, we’re not talking a cabbage from your garden (although we’re sure they’d appreciate that, too). Take this moment to treat someone special to an organic beauty product or food gift they’ll love. 

7. Use your voice

Your efforts are fantastic - but maybe you want to call on larger organisations to do their bit. 

You might want to contact your local MP if you have a specific concern or request, like:

• Calling on them to condemn laws that negatively impact organic farmers
• Urging the government to prioritise organic farming
• Encouraging them to be vocal about the importance of organic farming and/or spread accessible resources for local people

Boycotting is another way to use your voice - your money just speaks as much, if not more. 

That’s not to say you should boycott anyone who doesn’t use 100% organic products! But, if a company follows practices you really don’t agree with, consider if there’s a better alternative you could give your money to. 

8. Donate to the Soil Association

Donating to the Soil Association - the charity behind Organic September - could help them influence sustainability and biodiversity laws, so we can look after the UK organically. 

You can donate here, or maybe you’d rather plan something exciting and raise some funds!

9. Reduce your plastic waste

Not all organic items are plastic-free, and vice versa, but limiting your plastic waste is another sustainable choice to make.

Take part in Plastic Free July when it rolls around…but why wait? 

In the UK, we use and throw away 15 million plastic bottles per day; that’s a number we can lower on our next trip to the shops.⁵

You might also look into B Corp brands, companies that meet the highest standards of ethical and sustainable practice. 

Again, not all of these companies will be 100% organic, but they go hand in hand with more conscious choices. 

10. Find joy in the outdoors

Immersing yourself in nature can help you remember why you’re making these choices. We want to do all we can for ourselves and our beautiful planet!

The more organic methods we use on our soil, the better we can restore it and the more land will thrive. 

Take a walk, do some stretching, or lie outside and take it all in. Who knows, you might meet some wildlife along the way - and buying organic is friendlier to them, too.

If you have a garden, invite some local critters in with a bird feeder, bee house, or pond. 

The final say

Fancy dipping your toe into a more sustainable pool this month? Try Organic September.

Most likely, you’ll find a few changes that work for you and a few that don’t - but we’d argue that any change is a great one. 

Congratulations on doing your bit to go organic!

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 6 September 2022