As nature and animal lovers, Outdoor Herbivore feels very strongly about supporting organic farming practices. We think organic agriculture is the most responsible way to nurture our land and body. That is why 75 percent or more of our ingredients are certified organic. A few of our products such as spices and nuts are not certified organic, even though they are grown and processed in the traditional manner and are the finest we can source. We are continually looking to expand our organic ingredients, eventually to become completely organic. But, organic is not the only feature of our products.
We also believe in supporting local farmers. As a small, independent operation located in North Carolina, we understand the importance of building relationships with domestic growers so we can continue to keep foods produced within the United States. Our goal is to not just give you organic, but local as well.
We are a 100% vegetarian company. We find significant enjoyment admiring creatures in their living form, expressing their own characteristics for their own purposes, not ours. Therefore, we do not support their destruction.
No GMO’s: Organic farming practices prohibits many of the practices prevalent in conventional agriculture that destroy soil and crop vitality, such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The long-term risks of consuming GMOs remain unknown, which is why many nations prohibit them. Unfortunately, the U.S. is not one of them, and do not mandate that products be labeled as GMO either. The only way you can guarantee you are not getting GMOs is by purchasing organic.
No Toxic Chemicals: Many factors of a highly industrialized lifestyle contribute to high exposure to chemicals. The runoff of chemicals into our water supply and saturation into our soils all contribute to a diminished quality of health, incidence of disease, and digestive distress. The rate at which conventional fruits and vegetables are sprayed with chemical warfare is alarming. All of these non-natural substances function as just extra toxins for the body to remove. Organic certification prohibits the use of chemicals used in conventional farming because organic farmers use traditional methods of controlling insects and weeds. For instance, conventional farming will spray chemical herbicides to kill weeds, while organic farming will use traditional crop rotation and mulch to control weed. Therefore, consuming organic food lessens your exposure to unnecessary toxins.
There is a host of environmental benefits beyond the scope of what is mentioned here. The traditional farming practices of yesterday are the organic farming practices of today. Most of the farmland of today consist of vast miles of land planted with a single type of crop, which produces food directly for large multinational corporations. Monocrops are risky. All it takes is a specific bacteria or pest, and an entire crop is wiped out. Farmers of the past century knew the proven system for providing reliable food was to plant a diverse selection of seed. Some of the plants would do better than others, depending on the weather conditions that year. Some of the fruits would burst with flavor while other types may not. This system requires more planning and work, but it sustains plant and animal diversity. It helps the environment long-term. Studies prove that conventional pesticides are not just destroying pests, but everything linked to them too. For instance, honey bees. Besides destroying beneficial insects and plant food diversity, conventional agriculture also destroys the watershed. The mass quantities of chemical warfare used in conventional farming washes into streams and watersheds, creating “Dead Zones” where no life can exist.
Organic food is not only healthier for us, but it is also beneficial to the environment and the wildlife that depend on it.
Besides the prevalence of chemical toxins in our natural environment, any packaged foods you eat is likely to contain pesticides, artificial flavoring, color agents, unnecessary additives, fillers, preservatives and other intentional modifications to condition the food for mass production, cheaper manufacturing, a longer shelf life and altered taste. If it comes sealed up in a package loaded with ingredients that prolong its longevity and composition, improve its flavor, smell, appeal, and character, then it is probably not going to do that for you.
Of course, it is always a best practice to eat food closest to its source. Yet, it is impractical to carry out fresh food when spending multiple days in the outdoors. Luckily, we don’t have to resort to buying packaged foods sourced from conventional means because there are a few great dried food choices out there, and organic too!
May you consume wisely,
Outdoor Herbivore
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