How to buy Organic Food for $1.00
Why is Organic So Expensive?
There is no denying that certified organic food is more expensive than its conventional equivalent. In fact, on average it costs 47% more!
According to the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United States, this difference is because:
Organic food supply is limited when compared with demand
Organic food costs more to produce as it requires more labor, and farms tend to be small in size meaning they can’t reap the costs associated with economies of scale
Organic and conventional produce need to be kept separate during processing and transport
Marketing and distribution for organic products have higher costs due to smaller volume
The catch-22 is that, as demand for organic food rises, economies of scale will reduce all these costs for organic farmers, which should push down the price.
Until then, those that want to buy organic will have to become savvy shoppers, cutting down on what they don’t need and getting the best value for their dollar.
How to Buy Organic on a Budget
Many families are like the one shown in the ‘Organic Effect’ YouTube video – they find it difficult to eat organic, due to the high cost of organic foods and the size of their family.
However, the old saying ‘pay now, or pay later’ springs to mind when discussing the merits of organic living.
With a little planning and a few tricks, eating organic on a budget can be done. Sure, there will be a period of adjustment and a lot of learning along the way – but look at it as a long term goal to get you and your family on the path to good health.
Re-assess Your Priorities
If you’re struggling to afford organic foods, you may need to look at ways you can cut back in other areas, in order to afford the health benefits organic eating can bring.
For example, do you value health over entertainment? If so, find less expensive or free ways to spend your downtime. Try some gardening, walking or invest in a bike (it will pay off in the long run).
Can you cut down on your TV subscription, change to a cheaper phone plan or carpool to work? It all adds up.
Save even more money (and cut down on toxic skincare ingredients) by making beauty and personal care products in your own kitchen. There are homemade versions of everything fromnatural teeth whitening products to hair treatments.
Clip Coupons
The couponing craze also extends to organic products.
Many organic companies offer special coupons and discounts through their website or social media pages. Local stores also offer coupons which can sometimes be for organic products –Whole Foods is always a good bet as they feature new coupons every week.
Don’t forget to check out organic couponing sites like Organic Deals, All Natural Savings,Mambo Sprouts and Healthy Life Deals to name just a few.
Learn to Plan Ahead
Plan your meals in advance to minimize wastage. Use leftovers for lunch the next day and don’t buy more than you need. This will also help you when it comes to shopping as you can base your meals around what coupons you have.
In the supermarket, stick to your list to make sure you don’t make any impulse purchases, taking you off the organic path and sending you over-budget.
