With many of our natural products like carrier oils, solid oils, essential oils and waxes, we sell organic and non organic versions. But what’s the difference?
In this blog, we’re taking a deep look into which option is best so that you can make a more informed decision when choosing which products to buy!
Contents
- What Does Organic Mean?
- What Does Non Organic Mean?
- Will You Feel A Difference In A Recipe?
- Impact of Organic vs Non Organic Products
- Conclusion
What Does Organic Mean?
Organic means no synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and genetically modified ingredients are used on the plants. It is usually a smaller scale production that works with nature rather than against it.
As organic plants don’t have pesticides to protect them from pests, there is a higher chance some of the plants won’t survive. In order to increase the chances of organic plants surviving, producers have to use organic farming methods like, manual weed control and organic pest management.
Any organic product has to also be certified organic by an approved UK organic control body.
What Does Non Organic Mean?
Non organic products have had synthetic pesticides used to ensure the plants are protected from pests. This gives the plants a better chance of survival and more products can be produced from the plants.
Will You Feel A Difference In A Recipe?
To put it simply, no. Both organic and non organic products work the same. Whether its carrier oils, essential oils, waxes, you name it, they will produce the same result.
There may be some slight variations in colour or scent, but ultimately they both have the same benefits.
Impact of Organic vs Non Organic Products
While they may work the same in a recipe, they do have different impacts on the planet. Let’s look at how they both impact the environment, the economy
Biodiversity
Organic Impact - By not using synthetic pesticides, it protects the soil, insects and plants, which contributes to biodiversity. Instead, producers manually control pests, using crop rotation, companion planting, and beneficial insects to control pests
Non Organic Impact - The use of synthetic pesticides can negatively affect biodiversity and it can be harmful to insects, animals, plants, soil and water.
Soil Quality
Organic Impact - Organic plants also improve soil quality by using compost, nitrogen-fixing crops, and crop rotations. This also means that the soil stores more carbon dioxide. This is important because soil stores around 2,500 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide!
Non Organic Impact - There is less incentive to look after the soil and it has been found that soil in conventional farms store less carbon than organic farms. This is often because soils are left uncovered and unprotected, which can erode or wash away during flooding and extreme weather conditions.
Water Quality
Organic Impact - By not using synthetic pesticides, there is less risk of water contamination and runoff.
Non Organic Impact - Pesticides have been found in ground water, streams, rivers, rain, lakes and oceans. It can get into the water by leaching through the soil, runoff, accidental spillages or it can drift outside the areas of where it was sprayed.
Community Impact
Organic Impact - Organic farms provide 32% more jobs per farm than non-organic farms. However, due to the higher labour costs, this also means that the cost of buying organic products can be higher. The cost is also affected by the lower crop yield and higher costs associated with organic certification.
Non Organic Impact - Non organic farms have replaced labour with machines, leaving less jobs available. However, non organic farms are able to produce a much larger amount of product and at a much lower cost.
Conclusion: Should You Use Organic Ingredients or Non Organic Ingredients?
Both non organic and organic products have the same natural benefits and they will work the same in your recipes. This decision depends on what your priorities are.
Here’s some things to think about…
- Cost - If you are looking for cost effective products, then non organic products are the best option.
- Environmentally friendly - If a positive environmental impact is important to you, or you're selling an environmentally friendly product, then organic ingredients may suit you best.
- Is your product organic? - If you are advertising an organic product, you can’t use non organic ingredients.
Continue Reading
Now you know the difference between organic and non organic products, why not read more?
- Want to make your own natural pesticide? Try this simple recipe!
- Interested in making your own organic soap? Try this cold process soap recipe!
- Learn how to use organic oils to make an organic face oil!
Let us know whether you prefer organic or non organic products in the comments!
