Issue 8 December 2010


Quantum


average of 15 different pesticides. Avoid this health risk by looking for the Soil Association logo (or the USDA certified logo) to be sure your pint has been produced organically.


Organic spirits and “hard” alcoholic beverages also are available, although you may find them through specialist suppliers and some supermarkets.


8. A RESOLUTION YOU’LL WANT TO KEEP


Make it your New Year’s resolution to join a buying group or participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Project. Increasingly, consumers are recognising the impact their food choices have on the environment, communities, animal welfare, and their health, and more and more are seeking an alternative food culture that reconnects them with the land.


There are over 50 CSA projects operating in the UK now and an increasing number of organic buying groups, providing fresh, quality produce, including vegetables, fruit, cheese, milk, meat, eggs, bread and honey. Food cooperative and buying groups are prevalent throughout the United States. By getting together in a group from your work place, neighbourhood, club or school, you can buy in bulk directly from farmers and receive fresh organic produce at a lower price, whilst farmers receive a secure market and fairer income. Many CSAs also enable and encourage people to get involved on the farm..


9. GOING BACK TO OUR ROOTS Learn about where your Christmas dinner comes from. Over 29% of UK adults have never set foot on a farm. Yet visiting one–even once–can be a life-changing experience. It highlights, vividly, the intimate links between food, health, farming and the environment. It helps people see how their food starts out and it demonstrates how we can choose to eat food that helps the environment rather than damages it.


The Soil Association has an extensive network of more than 100 farms across the UK that run special visits, open days and other public activities. New farms are joining all the time, and


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they have members who can show you everything from walled vegetable gardens to remote hill farms and even a vineyard. Why not make a weekend of it? Soil Association certifies a range of accommodations, perfect for a Christmas or New Year’s break. Many tours even offer a delicious organic cooked breakfast.


10. FOOD FOR LIFE, NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS


If you live in the UK, this year, give a gift that will continue making a difference long after the decorations have been boxed away. The Soil Association is a charity and relies on its members to continue its work. By giving the gift of membership, you will be helping them to continue the campaign for improved animal welfare, local food initiatives, an improved food culture in schools, and the campaign against GM crops and the cloning of farm animals. You’ll also be playing a part in safeguarding the future of organic and traditional farms by managing them in trust in perpetuity, organically and sustainably through the Land Trust scheme.


Your gift will include a welcome pack and membership card, entitling you to year-round benefits including regular editions of the award winning magazine, Living Earth, fun and inspirational days out at events like the Organic Food Festival and the Real Food Show (free to members); discounts and special offers at organic outlets such as Planet Organic; and much more.


Alternatively, give your friends and family the chance to learn a new skill they’ll really value, at our Organic Farm School. More and more, people are rediscovering the life-enriching importance of a closer connection with the soil. The Soil Association Organic Farm Schools have a number of courses including bee-keeping, chicken- keeping, vegetable growing, willow weaving, hedge laying or dry stone walling that are offered around the country. And, if you’re an Association member, you’ll save 25% on the course fee.


A year’s membership to the Soil Association costs £24, or £33 for joint membership. For more details, go to http://www.soilassociation.org


HEALTH


Quantum Health 57


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