Organic Aware – Australian Organic Awareness Month

The first time I became really concerned about what products I was using on my daughter Ruby, was when it came time to use sunscreen. To me, sunscreen for adults smells and feels like a tube or can full of nasties. I soon came to realise that many of the baby/toddler creams on the market weren’t much better. I was so worried about all of those ingredients being absorbed into her precious skin. It was pretty obvious after some research that organic and natural was the only way to go for me as a new mum.

I had the same feelings about toothpaste because you just know they are going to swallow some. I was very worried about the chemicals swirling around her mouth when I brushed her cute little toothy pegs every day.

Now, I am forever checking the labels

So slowly and surely I was becoming one of those mums. I laugh when I think about this statement because before I had my daughter I really didn’t give too much time to thinking about chemicals, nasties and what was actually “in things.” But now, I am forever checking the labels of pretty much everything.

I’m not crazy about it however if two products are side by side, it becomes an easy choice to go organic over the other. It pretty much applies to everything I do now. I prefer to buy organic meat, organic products for my daughter’s skin and of course I’m a huge fan of Uganic infant formula because of its nutritional benefits but also the convenience. (no late night servo runs for us when we’ve run out of a carton of milk!)

When choosing organic, you need to look out for a few things though. Make sure you see the words, “certified organic.” You’ll know it’s legitimately organic when it’s there.

When I buy eggs for example, I always but organic. This is because I know that if they are certified as organic they are free range and are not from caged hens. There are certain rules for certain products but the “certified organic” label will guarantee you are getting what you pay for.

The benefits of choosing organic…

The benefits of choosing organic when convenient is not only better for us but also for the world in which we live. Organic farming works in harmony to look after the environment which sometimes conventional farming does not.

I was also surprised to learn recently that consumer demand for organic is on the rise, quite substantially. According to the Victorian government’s health website, it’s growing at a rate of around 20 to 30 percent per year. So it turns out I’m not the only one stopped dead in the supermarket aisle reading the labels on products and foods. And it now makes sense if I’m driving by a farmers’ market I immediately have to pull in.

Little steps rather than “all or nothing approach”

Now you don’t have to turn your life upside down immediately to go organic but being aware is a great first step. Also, I don’t think you have to take the “all or nothing approach.” Little steps by changing one or two products or foods is going to be beneficial because there is just something about eating organic or using organic that makes you feel good.

Rebecca Maddern,
Little Innoscents Brand Ambassador