By The Green Parent
14th September 2020
1. Go behind the scenes on an organic farm – ‘Open Farm Sunday’, the annual movement to get people onto the UK’s farms might look a little different this year, but there’s still so many online opportunities to learn about life on the farm. Focusing on wildlife and biodiversity, we’re excited for a virtual look behind the scenes at some organic farms this year.
2. Recycling Week – Level up your sustainability game this September by making organic part of your zero-waste ambitions during #RecycleWeek! Opt for loose fruit & veg from your local indie shop, or reduce, re-use and recycle the packaging from your favourite organic brands - why not get started by making plant pots from your finished peanut butter tubs?
3. Join the Soil Association – Joining our charity as a member or a donor is one of the most direct ways you can champion a nature-friendly future – we’re fighting to save the earth from the ground up, campaigning against issues as diverse as pesticide use, soil erosion, wildlife biodiversity loss and unhealthy public sector menus, making good food accessible to all.
4. Stand up for food waste - With 30% of all food produced going to waste, it’s vital that we pay attention to what happens at the end of the supply chain, as well as at the start if we are to create a more sustainable food system. Make the most of your leftovers with a selection of zero-waste recipes this September; we particularly love Max La Manna’s ‘waste nothing’ oat milk pancakes, and Melissa Hemsley’s ‘fridge raid’ zero-waste frittata.
5. Bake some organic bread– This time of year also marks the Real Bread Campaign’s ‘Sourdough September’, so why not try your hand at baking an organic loaf the traditional way this month? If you’re new to sourdough baking, this starter from Vanessa Kimbell is a great entry point, or try her blackberry and apple loaf for a seasonal special. If baking isn’t your thing, check out some of our top choices for real, organic bread you can find on the shelves.
6. Celebrate Sustainable Forestry – Trees are amazing, and they’re vital part of our ambition for more sustainable land use - did you know a large portion of Soil Association’s Certification’s work is in sustainable forestry? In fact, we certify almost 19 million hectares of forest around the world - that’s almost the same size as Spain!
Keep an eye out for the FSC logo on paper and wood products this FSC Friday - it’s the hallmark of responsible forest management.
7. Find out more about agroforestry - Our love for trees extends beyond the forests - agroforestry (combining agriculture and trees) has some amazing benefits, and it’s a common practice on organic farms! Learn why agroforestry is one vital element of sustainable farming that everyone’s talking about this September.
8. Find joy in nature – Organic is all about harnessing the incredible power of nature, so reconnecting to the everyday wonders of the natural world is an important step in reconnecting with where our food comes from. Whether it’s a weekend walk amongst the trees or a foraging expedition, building an insect hotel with the kids in your garden, or taking the scenic route to work - get back to your roots and start sharing in the joy of nature this month!
9. Start eating less and better meat - Making food choices for the planet doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop eating meat. Learn more about how organic livestock farming can be better for wildlife and help capture carbon.
10. Learn more about organic wine - Celebrate and reflect on your successes from the month by cracking open a bottle of organic wine! Organic wine is booming at the moment – find out what makes organic wine so special, and hear more from some amazing British vineyards.
