Five easy ways to embrace Organic Living

Many of us are becoming more conscious of our environmental impact, seeking solutions to help combat climate change and protect wildlife, and looking to holistic approaches to support our overall wellbeing. In short, we’re searching for ways to live more sustainably – and at Neal’s Yard Remedies, we believe that getting involved in the organic movement is one of the best ways to tread more gently on the planet. So, we’ve broken down six simple steps to help make choosing organic easy for a safer, healthier and fairer world.

The word ‘organic’ is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘natural’, ‘pure’ and ‘eco-friendly’, but they don’t mean the same thing. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure something is certified organic and made in a way that safeguards soils, animals, wildlife and plants. Organic food, for instance, must meet strict legal requirements, with those growing and making these goods inspected at least once a year. Other industries (like fashion and beauty) that don’t have organic legislation rely on certifiers like the Soil Association, with extremely rigorous organic standards, to accredit their products. Knowing what organic means and why it matters can help you feel confident about your decisions when opting for organic. 

Swap your non-organic beauty favourites for formulations that use organically farmed ingredients with logos like the Soil Association on the label. That way, you can be sure a product has been made using sustainable, ethically sourced and biodegradable ingredients, without animal testing and controversial chemicals, and packaged with maximum recycled content.

Discover the benefits of our certified organic Frankincense Intense™ collection, clinically proven to smooth and plump fine lines. Or, if you’re looking for a radiance-boosting winner, try our cult Wild Rose range, blended with certified organic wild rosehip seed oil. 

Food is the first thing people tend to think about when they hear the word ‘organic’. In a way, it’s the low-hanging fruit for transitioning to an organic lifestyle, with many organic food options readily available on supermarket shelves. If you’re beginning to branch out, start with swapping your daily brew for an organic alternative. We collectively make around 100 million cups daily in the UK – nearly 36 billion a year! So, if we all switched to an organic cuppa, it would make a world of difference.

Enjoy a selection of wild-harvested herbs in our organic herbal teas, carefully dried to preserve their therapeutic benefits and encased in planet-friendly, plastic-free compostable teabags.

Wherever you are on your organic journey, supermarket own-brand organic ranges are a great way to stock up on cupboard essentials. They’re good value for money and provide many benefits for the people behind the produce, the planet and our wellbeing. Organic milk, for instance, has up to 50% more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and ensures British farmers receive a good return.

There are plenty of other ways to get involved with organic food, from eating seasonal produce to growing your own herbs, supporting independent organic shops to signing up for weekly fruit, veg or meat boxes from local farmers. The bottom line? Get stuck in! 

Next time you’re due for a getaway, why not visit an organic farm complete with delicious food and stunning views? Many certified organic farms are hidden gems across the UK, located in areas of outstanding beauty, surrounded by coastland, rivers, hills and meadows. (They’re havens for wildlife and perfect for activities like bird watching, for the nature enthusiasts among you.) From 5-star cottages in ancient woodland to rural campsites nestled in orchards and gorgeous yurts for extravagant glampers, this sustainable way of holidaying has something to offer for everyone. 

Campaign for a greener future by supporting causes you care about, speaking to your local MPs and signing petitions for issues you want to reach parliament. It’s a great way to have your voice heard and build a community of like-minded people who want to see positive change just as much as you. This July, our co-owner Anabel Kindersley launched a parliamentary petition calling for the government to set a national target for reducing pesticide use, cutting toxicity levels and supporting farmers transitioning to nature-friendly alternatives. With 100,000 signatures, we can get this issue debated in parliament.