Eating organic food on a budget

Including more organic food in your daily routine doesn't have to break the bank. A few small changes can make a big difference in your health as well as your wallet.

A garden doesn't have to be huge to produce a lot of free food. Consider adding attractive edibles to existing flowerbeds by replacing ornamental plants with fruits, vegetables or herbs. Some tomato varieties grow to around three feet tall, making them a good backdrop for smaller plants like basil, dill or peppers. Leaf lettuce, available in red or green varieties, makes an attractive border. These plants provide food throughout the growing season with very little maintenance. Even if you live in an apartment, or in a rental where the landlord won't allow landscaping changes, consider growing edibles in containers. Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, cucumbers and herbs all grow well in containers. Another bonus is that containers require no weeding, making them a great option for busy people.

While many people still see meat as the protein of choice, buying it organically can be cost prohibitive. Not only are beans a good source of fibre, protein and many other vitamins and minerals, they are also very economical to buy organically. In fact, organic beans are often only slightly more expensive than their conventional counterpart. To ease the transition from meat to beans, consider changing just one meat-based dinner per week. As you find more bean recipes you like, slowly replace meat-based meals with beans until you have cut meat consumption by about half. This small change will make a big difference in your health and budget.

More and more grocery stores are stocking products in bulk. Beans, nuts and grains are usually significantly cheaper when purchased in bulk because packaging, labelling and transportation costs are reduced. Stock up on refillable containers and buy organic basics in bulk to save money and reduce waste to further help the environment.

Transitioning to organic food doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Shopping smart and growing your own food will go a long way to make you healthier and happier while staying financially secure.