Every step that we take, and every choice we make affects our planet. This year, World Earth Day’s theme is ‘Invest in our planet’, inviting us all to invest in measures that can protect and restore the health of our planet. 

Because right from the type of seeds we sow to the way we grow and harvest our crops and process our food, all of it has an influence on our planet's health and ultimately our health.

As pioneers of the Organic Food Movement in India, ORGANIC INDIA has been working with farmers across India since its inception in 2000 to encourage and support sustainable agriculture that helps promote the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity and helps restore nutrient-dense, fertile, productive, healthy, and resilient soils.

 How we do this: 

1. Support farmers and tribal wildcrafters with information and resources to practice regenerative agriculture that sustains and replenishes our soils through crop rotation, agroforestry, boosting organic matter through composting, use of non-chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and intelligent water management.
2. Conduct organic and biodynamic farming training and agricultural training workshops and sponsor awards to increase awareness and encourage organic farming across India.
3. We also pay all the fees associated with acquiring the necessary organic certifications for farmers.
4. We also purchase the harvested crops and herbs at premium market prices to promote fair trade practices that support and honor farmer partners with equitable wages,
5. Recently, the company established a LEED Platinum-certified production facility that practices sustainable design, construction, and operations.
6. Provide certified Organic, Non-GMO herbal teas, supplements, and packaged foods including cereals, grains, cooking oils, honey, and Cow’s Ghee that support the health of the population, the vibrancy of the planet, and the livelihood of communities in India. 

Twenty-five years on, we have helped achieve the economic and cultural revitalization of rural farm communities with 3,000 thriving farm partnerships as well as community health care, education, and inclusive social change for disadvantaged and marginal farmers and women.

Investing in our planet is a community effort.

With over 193 countries participating in World Earth Day this year, imagine how much we can accomplish if each one of us does our bit to invest in our planet.

Let’s look at some of the measures we can take starting today: 

1. Make your surroundings green – Whether it’s planting herbs and vegetables on your balcony or growing more trees in and around your residential complexes or alongside the roads, every little bit helps.

This year, we invite you to take a step with us and grow Tulsi saplings in and around your homes. The Tulsi plant not only offers a plethora of health benefits but also can help restore natural soil quality. 

2. Reuse, repurpose, repair, and recycle – From empty cosmetic bottles to old newspapers to clothes, electronic items, and leftover food, anything and everything can either be reused, recycled, repaired, or repurposed. For example, by cutting off the bottoms of plastic bottles, you can reuse them as planters or leftover vegetable peels can be converted into manure, old toothbrushes can be used as scrubbers for hard-to-reach places or delicate items like jewelry and empty shampoo bottles can be used to store liquid soap. Many of our electronic items can be repaired and reused or donated instead of dumping them in landfills. 

Similarly, you can choose to buy items made out of recycled items (for example a yoga mat made from recycled PET bottles or carry bags made from old newspapers).

3. Buy only what you need – Whether you are buying the 8^th pair of jeans just because it’s in the sale or ordering food because you are bored, our over-consumption lifestyle is fast depleting our planet of valuable resources. Hence before buying a product ask yourself

-       Do I need it?

-       How has the production of this product affected the environment?

-       Has the seller used responsible packaging?

-       What new problems will we create when disposing of the product and packaging 

Also, when ordering food, or shopping, avoid accepting any bags, unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. Take your water bottle and cloth bag for shopping. Use less paper and recycle all that you have.

4. Choose Organic – Organic food is grown without using harmful pesticides and artificial fertilizers, thereby helping to restore our soil quality, as well as reduce the loss of biodiversity. Many of the chemical pesticides, GMOs and artificial growth promoters are also linked to several lifestyle diseases including affecting reproductive health and causing learning disabilities in children. Hence always choose organic, whole, and unprocessed, or minimally processed food for healthy nutrition and energy.  
5. Conserve natural resources – Be it water, electricity, or fuel, simple measures can protect these natural and fast-depleting resources. Make sure your electronic devices and appliances have a 5-star energy rating to ensure the most optimal energy use. Replace your home lighting with CFL or LED lighting. Other energy-saving hygiene habits include turning off the lights in an empty room, using your AC intermittently instead of all the time, and planting trees in your neighbourhood, encouraging your employer or employees in your business to adopt green building practices. To conserve our freshwater supplies, undertake simple measures like using a bucket instead of a shower, watering plants at night, repurposing the RO and AC water, and repairing any leaky faucets.
6. Consume more plant-based foods – Growing, processing, storing, and transporting plant-based foods generally requires less water and energy and also lower emissions of greenhouse gases. According to United Nations, choosing a vegetarian diet over a mixed diet can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 500 kilograms of CO2e per year (or up to 900 kilograms for a vegan diet). 

7. Opt for sustainable packaging! Support manufacturers who are emphasizing the use of sustainable, non-toxic, and recyclable packaging practices and materials.    

8. Use natural products – Whether cosmetics or cleaning [products, buy natural and non-toxic products. They are not only great for you but also safe for the environment. ORGANIC INDIA’s KURE range of body care products is made using organic, non-toxic, and naturally-processed ingredients to care for, restore and rejuvenate skin and from within, along with healing the mind. 

The health and well-being of our planet affect us all. Take action now!

Choose nature, choose health & use "Earth10" to avail 10% discount on all Organic India products.