What is Organic September?

The Soil Association launched Organic September back in 2004, giving people one focused month to learn about organic living, try new products, and support the farmers and brands making a difference.

It’s timed perfectly, harvest season, when British farms are overflowing with fresh produce, and people are thinking more about where their food comes from.

Organic farming is all about working with nature, not against it. That means:

• No synthetic pesticides or fertilisers – instead, farmers use natural methods to protect crops and feed the soil.

• Better animal welfare – animals have more space, access to the outdoors, and healthier diets.

• No GMOs (genetically modified organisms) – organic standards ban them outright.

• Healthier soil – crop rotation, composting, and biodiversity keep land fertile for future generations.

And yes, organic produce often has more antioxidants and omega-3s, and avoids many of the chemical residues found in conventionally farmed food.

Choosing organic helps in ways you can see, and ways you can’t:

• Is better for the planet –Designed to respect nature and to enhance the health of soils, water and air, organic farming is leading the way on sustainability. Organic farmers are encouraged to ‘close the loop’ on their farms, making use of what’s to hand and limiting the use of imported resources. This means no artificial fertilisers,

• Cuts pollution – less run-off into rivers and streams keeps water cleaner.

• Healthier soil which stores more carbon – healthy soil acts like a sponge for carbon dioxide, helping fight climate change.

• Supports farmers – buying organic often means supporting smaller farms and better working conditions.

• Better for nature and wildlife – Since 1970, 41% of the UK’s wildlife species have seen their numbers fall, and today more than 1 in 10 are at risk of disappearing altogether. The biggest culprit? Intensive farming methods—especially heavy pesticide use—that strip away habitats and harm the creatures that depend on them.

  Organic farming offers a different path. By working with nature rather than against it, organic farms become safe havens for bees, birds, butterflies, and countless other species. In fact, they support around 30% more biodiversity than their non-organic counterparts.

• Better for us! Organic farming connects the health of people, animals, wildlife, and the planet by:

  • Using fewer pesticides, additives, and preservatives

  • Avoiding GM ingredients

  • Reducing antibiotic use

  • Building more resilient farms

  • Producing food with nutritional differences

  Choosing organic supports a way of farming that’s sustainable for future generations—protecting soil, ecosystems, and communities alike.

  In the UK, a product can only be called “organic” if every stage—from farm to shop—meets strict organic standards certified by an approved body, like the Soil Association, which certifies over 70% of the UK’s organic food.

  Look for the organic symbol—it’s your guarantee you’re buying food produced to the highest environmental and welfare standards.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen overnight. The Soil Association’s motto is “Small swaps make a big difference.”

Here are a few easy ways to join in:

1. Start with one swap – maybe your milk, coffee, or favourite snack.

2. Look for the logo – the Soil Association’s black-and-white stamp means it’s been certified to the highest organic standards.

3. Shop local – farmers’ markets and small shops often have amazing organic finds.

4. Share the love – post your organic finds and recipes on social media with #OrganicSeptember.

5. Explore recipes – try cooking one all-organic meal a week.

At Healthy Supplies, we’ve been big on organic since day one. From pantry staples like quinoa, lentils, and oats, to organic baking essentials, teas, and snacks – you’ll find thousands of organic options in our range.

We also make sure our packaging is fully recyclable, and every order supports eco projects around the world – like planting trees, cleaning up our oceans, and restoring coral reefs.

So when you shop organic with us, you’re not just feeding yourself well – you’re helping the planet too.

Organic September is more than a hashtag. It’s a reminder that the way we eat and shop shapes the world we live in. Every organic apple, every pesticide-free tea bag, every plastic-free pantry refill, it all counts.

So this September, why not try one small organic swap? You might find it tastes better, feels better, and does better – for you, for farmers, and for the planet.