Is Organic Frugal?

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by berlinlife06

Not only are the preferences of each individual when it comes to buy organic... I'm broke, so I have to watch every penny I spend, and unfortunately in NY the difference between organic and non organic is very big. So, I have to choose affordable against more healthy.

Definitely a painful reality that can be overlooked in conversations where the zeal to be more organic than the next fellow can often lead to some pretty unfair judgments about how one's money is spent.

Often, there is no choice. If organics cost too much, there is no where in the budget to cut back in favor of purchasing organic foods!

[jazzgrrl]

I think though nowadays in the states the price has come down a lot and there are ways to be frugal and still eat organic - just avoid the flashy brands and labels because after all, that is what you end up paying for instead of the product.

[Kitten]

Well organic is still too expensive for me and it's not because I'm choosing to spend my money on a lot of junk. I don't eat out nor do I drink soda, juices, etc (I drink 99% water). I agree that many people 'could' buy organic if they really wanted to, though, and I hope to be able to buy more organic foods in the future.

[SageMother]

I don't feel that we can count on the prices for organic foods getting as low as they need to for the majority of the working poor, and I bet more and more people are falling into that category, with little improvement in sight.

[mom2manyboyz]

I do agree with this. It seems the only way to secure the safety of food (and the environmental polution cause by pesticides) might be to return to growing our own. I also realize that for some, this isn't an option.

I am curious to hear how organic prices compare to conventional prices in different areas of the US and other countries. Here are my numbers from my last shopping trip:

Bananas: Organic 58 cents / pound Conventional 68 cents / pound
Strawberries: Organic 4.99 Conventional 2.50

Some other prices of the organic items I purchase (I'm not sure how much they are conventionally grown): Large jar applesauce 1.59, large bag celery 2.99, santa cruz juice 2.39.

Some of the organic items in my area are only slightly more expensive, while others are almost twice the cost.

Also, as I've mentioned before I do not spend more on food than I did before I went organic as I no longer regularly spend money on soda, or sugary foods that I don't really need.

[Kitten]

Yeah, it makes sense that it's balanced out if you were able to cut other things off your grocery list. I still think it's sad that some foods cost twice as much, though.

[Newlygreen]

I think buying organic foods and produce is more expensive on a personal level, it costs you more from your wallet. But organically raised animals and grown produce are less of a strain on the environment and the community. The vast amounts of fertilizers, for example, that wash out of farms are a big hit to the surrounding environment, and we will pay for it someday.

[solarwind]

I don't think that buying organic is necessarily frugal as in my experience, most organic foods are more expensive than their counterparts. Granted, I'm generally more prepared to pay a higher price for food that I think is better for me but that depends on what I can afford at any given time.

[mollyL]

I think organic is frugal in the long run if you look at it health-wise. Keeping your body stronger and fitter for a longer time saves on medical-type bills and greatly enhances the quality of your life.

[mom2manyboyz]

Originally Posted by mollyL

I think organic is frugal in the long run if you look at it health-wise. Keeping your body stronger and fitter for a longer time saves on medical-type bills and greatly enhances the quality of your life.

Thank you molly, I was just going to say the same thing. Organic is more expensive. However, I cut out junk food, so I spend no more than I used to spend. Also, I no longer have to go to the doctor. I haven't been sick in at least 3 years. I go for my annual physical and that is it. I have co-workers that are diabetic and at least 200 pounds over-weight that eat M&M's for lunch and complain that they are on too many medications.