What's More Important, Organic Food or Eco-Friendly Packaging?

In a recent survey on the Eco-Vegan Gal social media pages, about 40 people responded to the question, "What's more important to you - buying organic food or foods with eco-friendly packaging?" The majority said organic, saying that their health was the priority. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to choose one over the other (well, technically you don't if you buy fresh foods or items in bulk). But what about all of the delicious packaged foods on the market - if faced with the choice, is it more important to buy them organic or in recycled/biodegrabale/compostable/plastic-free packaging?

Organic foods benefit our health because they are usually free of GMOs and chemicals, and they benefit the planet for a host of reasons, namely protecting soil, water, and air quality. But if organic foods are highly processed and/or flown from the other end of the world to reach your shopping cart, this negates the health and environmental benefits.

It also doesn't benefit our health or the planet if organic foods are poorly packaged. Most food packaging isn't recyclable, especially if it has residue on it after you eat the contents. Even if a container says it's recyclable, biodegrable, and/or compostable, many of these processes require specific conditions, man power, and other resources that negatively effect the Earth. There are several ways our health can be in danger too. Plastics can leach chemicals/toxins into our systems, and the risk grows the more times you reuse them (a fantastic resource to learn more is My Plastic-free Life). Many cans are lined with BPA, a harmful chemical with many side effects (click here to learn more). Even paper/cardboard containers can be made with toxic dyes and chemicals.

Doesn't it seem odd that organic products are packaged in materials of questionable safety, and yet they are marketed as being healthier and more eco-friendly? Vote with your dollar and opt to buy most of your food in little or no packaging. You can find many of your favorite foods in bulk or by making them yourself - this will protect your body, the planet, and even your bank account! Tip: organic foods that are grown locally are more sustainable and fresher. If there are certain packaged foods that you don't want to live without, let the companies know you will only support them if they make an effort to put their items in healthier, more sustainable packaging (less is more!) by contacting them via email, phone, or snail mail. 

In the end, the decision between buying organic vs low/no packaging comes down to each individual item you buy and how often you purchase it. Moderation is always the key - do the best that you can to abide by your personal rules as often as possible. Keep reading Greenwala for more information on how you can avoid food packaging when purchasing products and cooking at home.

Whitney Lauritsen is a filmmaker, environmentalist, and vegan who promotes healthy living on her site www.ecovegangal.com. She shares tips on how to be kind to your body and the earth via video, photography, and writing. You can find her talking about being healthy and green on Twitter and Facebook.