Organic living does not have to cost arm and leg

An increasing number of people have become aware of the chemicals and toxins present in some of the food and beauty products we consume.

This realisation has driven many towards doing their best in living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of the environment.

For Noji Gaylard, who was born and bred in the Eastern Cape, organic living is a lifestyle she embraced from a young age.

“I grew up in a very organic environment. My mother kept a very good garden and we ate from it every day. My father kept cows that supplied us with milk. We had so much milk, we had to sell some of it. We never really spent money on food.”

After moving to Johannesburg and being caught up in the hustle and bustle, Gaylard eventually found her way back to embracing organic living.

“I never really thought about having an organic lifestyle at first but I started to look about and saw that I had quite a lot. I realised that even in the city, living organically does not have to be expensive. I started to use plants I had in my garden like rocket, aloe and some spinach. I didn’t want anything to go to waste. I now have much more in my garden and even make my own hairspray and body cream from stuff I’ve planted.”

Dietitian Lila Bruk says it is important for people to consider the financial aspect of wanting to live an organic life.

“If people would like to focus more on organic food and beverages, the key is really to look at the cost, especially when it comes to fruit and vegetables. There’s more of a benefit in having more fruit and vegetables than there is to choosing organic specifically.”

While purchasing organic products from the supermarket is likely to cost you a bit more, Gaylard strongly believes the organic life does not have to be expensive and that the secret lies in using what you have.

“Living an organic life can start off very small. Even if you live in a flat and don’t have a garden, you can use pot plants to grow your own herbs. Not everyone has land, but you can start focusing on what can grow about you. It doesn’t always have to mean spending more.”

Bruk suggests that fuelling the body with the nutritious food it needs is what remains important and the idea of growing one’s own produce is one she echoes.

For Gaylard, the organic lifestyle has translated to more than just food but also about loving and caring for the environment.

“I believe an organic life is what is necessary for the world. If you’re going to drive a car just to go and buy spinach all the time, you are polluting and you’re wasting money. The best would be to grow it yourself,” she says.

Ultimately, the decision to resume her organic lifestyle has improved her overall wellness as it has made her more content and grateful for all that is about her.

“Besides gardening being a very relaxing activity, I realise now that I have so much about me and that’s what I focus on.”