Organic: Maybe, maybe not?

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How do you know for sure something is organic? 🤔Yea, we have to trust an unknown someone or entity that they have your best interest at heart. Are you comfortable with that? I try to be, but my inner gut does not always agree. I do believe there are a lot of people out there doing the right thing, because it is the right thing. I do believe I and the ones I love try to always do the right thing for all concerned. Although, it would be extremely naïve of me to think that of all people. Unfortunately, there are some people that for whatever reason they just don’t get it. Doing right takes a back seat to monetary fortune or wealth. I am not at all opposed to monetary wealth, but it should never ever take precedence over human kindness or doing what is right.

Organic milk $1.90 more than
the other stuff?

 Now let’s look at this from an organic perspective. I am sure you have noticed that items labeled organic are much more expensive than the other stuff. Which makes absolutely no sense to me. I do not understand why organic items are so much more expensive than the other stuff. I am not talking just a few cents more here, I am talking dollars in the difference of pricing. I can understand a few cents, maybe, but often times I will see organic items a dollar to a many dollars more than the other stuff. Which makes me think that big pharma more than likely has some say in the organic world. Very simply we are talking greed here.

Tomato nearly 3x's as much for
Organic on sale. Not on sale it is
4.5x's as much, really?

 I understand that there are certifications and regulations regarding organic products. This would equate to the R&D excuse big pharma uses. I understand that organic farmers must utilize highly scrutinized practices, but are the farmers the ones overpricing organic items. I am thinking not, simply because I visit farmers markets and have found the pricing is much better in some cases. Usually that is direct from farm to consumer. I have even worked with a couple of agencies that they give the produce away. So for the most part, I believe the farmers are caught in the middle at times. I believe the over pricing comes in before and after the organic farmer. I have yet to come across an organic farmer that is in it for the money. All that I have spoken to simply want to provide others wholesome food and make an honest living. Food that will heal and improve the life of others.

Another thing about organic is quite honestly when you buy organic products from a grocer or third party, you are trusting that someone is being completely honest. That all the hands the produce passed through followed procedure as to avoid contamination by the other stuff. The facility is certified organic by who? Yea, do you know and trust the person or entity that certifies that items are organic. I do believe some people and entities can be trusted, but for some, when they start seeing the benjamins (money) roll in, yea that is when things change.

So what am I doing to feed myself and my family organically;

Bottom right & center shelf turned into raise garden. Bottom
left:carrots Top left: Zuchinni, Right: Corn & Tomatoes

I grow it myself. Yes, the start up can be costly if you believe all the hype, but I believe overall we were able to create our garden very efficiently. We repurposed quite a few items. For example, we took a shelf unit we had no more traditional use for, laid it down and added some old wood we had and wahlah we now have a raised garden. Tubs from washers we have repurposed for planters. The dirt came from around the house along with composting. We did have to buy some fortified dirt from the local home improvement store to get started. I am a bargin shopper so, I waited until some went on sale. Another way to cut cost is talk to your local non gmo organic rancher, they may let you have some of their manure. Yes the watering is an expense, but it is off set every time I can just walk out to the garden and pick an onion or tomato. Instead of having to get in my car, go to the store and buy what I need. I have then spent my precious time, money for gas, wear and tear on the car, paid more money for the item, and is it as good as what I grow, usually not. Finally, pests are kept away by using flowers and water. Marigolds and several other plants are deterants for pests and add color and beauty to your garden. 

Bottom line, do your research if you are buying from a store or direct from a farmer. Often times, local farmers will give you a tour of their facility. I see on Facebook various events for gardening organically know how, all the time. There are also some great groups on social media. The people in those groups are so helpful when you come across something you have no clue about. It is a very nice community. Another idea if you do not want to take on a garden by yourself, there are community gardens all around us or you can start one in your neighborhood.... So in the sprit of Keeping it Simple (KiS) I am going to conclude this blog. Have a Great week and KiS! 

If you would like more details regarding anything I have mention in this blog, put it in the comments and I will get back to you.