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Quantum


HEALTH


Issue 8 December 2010


6. AVOID THE QUEUES THIS CHRISTMAS - VISIT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET, FARM SHOP OR JOIN AN ORGANIC BOX SCHEME


Reconnect with the people who grow, make and supply your food. If you don’t have a local farm shop then order an organic box delivered straight to your door or pay a visit to your local farmers’ market. Farmers’ markets are springing up across the UK and the US, so there is likely to be one near you, offering health choices for your Christmas meat, vegetables, puddings, cakes and pies. In addition to all the yummy organic food, farmers’ markets are a great place to find handmade and unique Christmas gifts, which support the local economy.


Organics are even reaching the playground! The UK Soil Association, in partnership with the Mid Wales Food and Land Trust, is establishing farmers’ markets in school playgrounds. This follows a successful pilot with three schools within the Shropshire hills last year and the experience of the Mid Wales Food and Land Trust in Wales over the last five years.


Almost a quarter of all the world’s insecticides and 10% of pesticides are sprayed on cotton. However, organic fibres are grown without the use of harmful pesticides or GMOs; which promotes a healthier farm and natural environment. Soil Association certified textiles do not allow harmful manufacturing chemicals in organic textile production–so the fabric does not contain allergenic, carcinogenic or toxic chemical residues–and so the production process is not only beneficial for us, but also is better for local wildlife and the environment. An added bonus is that working conditions are good in organic textile factories so employees benefit and organic fibre production can help farmers in some countries find a way out of poverty.


56 Quantum Health


School farmers’ markets provide an innovative way of creating new markets for local producers, as well as providing hands-on educational experiences for children. The new access to fresh local food also benefits parents and the community, creating a new food culture and social interaction.


7. GET INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT – WITHOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HANG-OVER You can indulge guilt-free with the huge range of organic wine, beers, ciders and spirits that are now easily available. They are kinder to both the planet and your health. Opt for organic wine and not only will you be supporting a natural system of farming, you’ll also be consuming less sulphur (which appears to lessen the chances of a hangover!).


If you’re more of lager/beer drinker, be aware that the average non-organic farmer is estimated to spray hops up to 14 times each year with an


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