Reasons to eat organic meat. A fairer option

Reasons to eat organic meat. A fairer option

Do you know what organic meat production consists of? What are the benefits of consuming it? Here are some arguments so that, when buying meat, don’t forget to look for the ecological seal: the green leaf.

As you know, organic production is much more than a set of practices and approaches to growing food, it is an ethical decision based on sustainable practices that respect the environment, promote biodiversity and seek to reverse the damage that humans cause to the planet.

Animals are also part of this planet and are therefore harmed by the unsustainable (and highly unethical) practices of conventional livestock farming. In this sense, organic meat is the best alternative for those who are looking for a responsible and fairer option with animals and the environment.

These are some compelling reasons to opt for the consumption of organic meat:

Animal welfare

This is the most important point. Sustainable animal husbandry ensures animal welfare by providing optimal living conditions and space for them to live healthy and happy lives.

Reduced environmental impact

Organic meat production is more sustainable than conventional meat production, not only because fewer chemicals are used, but also because it promotes livestock and agricultural practices that favor soil regeneration, biodiversity and pollution reduction. By opting for organic meat, we are not only choosing a more ethical product, but we are also promoting the conservation of natural areas, for us and for generations to come.

3. Support for sustainable production

Farmers who opt for organic meat are committed to sustainable methods and a fairer system for everyone, including the animals. Buying organic meat makes it possible to continue to have an alternative to large-scale factory farms, which are not only very harmful to the planet, but also inhumane to animals.

4. Quality and taste

Meat from organic livestock is distinguished by its quality and better taste. This is a result of the animals’ more varied diet, their living conditions and the use of natural feed with reduced levels of antibiotics and hormones. In addition, an animal that lives better, in a more natural and stress-free environment, will produce higher quality meat.

5. Contribution to biodiversity

Organic production systems encourage biodiversity by promoting crop rotation, conservation of natural habitats and preservation of native animal breeds. In addition, in many cases, animal excrement is used as organic fertilizer, which improves soil quality and allows the recycling of nutrients.

And remember that organic meat is not only available in the supermarket, but you can also find it in many local butcher shops. Be sure to ask questions whenever you have doubts and consciously choose the best products for both you and the planet!

Organic bars and restaurants. A list of places that will make you salivate

Organic bars and restaurants. A list of places that will make you salivate

Look no further. We offer you a list (there are many more!) of bars and restaurants with a wide range of organic food for you to enjoy in an ethical and sustainable way also outside your home.

MADRID

Taberna La Carmencita

Taberna La Carmencita is the second oldest tavern in Madrid and is located at number 16 Libertad Street. In this place full of charm you will find traditional food of all life with products from sustainable and organic food. A must for eco food in Madrid.

Don’t miss…: Their organic veal meatballs from the Cantabrian cooperative Siete Valles de Montaña with blonde sauce.

Olivia te cuida

Its canteen located in Matadero is a wonderful industrial space that hosts simple organic food dishes such as pizzas, starters and salads that combine fresh and sustainable ingredients, creating a unique dining experience in a modern and very cozy atmosphere.

Don’t miss…: Its beautiful terrace overlooking the Manzanares and its mixed dishes.

BARCELONA

L’hortet

In the heart of the Raval, this restaurant opened more than 50 years ago and offers a sustainable, traditional and casserole cuisine full of flavor. L’hortet has a daily menu suitable for all budgets that changes according to the season.

Don’t miss…: Their super-affordable daily menu based on seasonal organic food.

Flax & Kale

Since a few years ago, Flax & Kale has become a must stop for all those who are looking for organic food in an incomparable atmosphere in the center of Barcelona. In addition, they have a wide variety of juices and eco drinks that they make themselves, perfect to refresh you if you are out for a walk.

Don’t miss…: Their freshest starters and any of the specialties of Teresa, its founder.

VALENCIA

Arrocería Maribel

If you want to eat a Valencian paella with fresh and local ingredients in the surroundings of La Albufera de Valencia, you have to visit El Palmar. If you also want to eat a spectacular rice full of flavor in a place committed to the conservation of its natural surroundings and the environment, you have to visit Arrocería Maribel.

Don’t miss…: Its fantastic rice dishes and its ancestral elaborations such as espardenyà or arròs amb fesols i naps.

Begin Origen

Spectacular space with a visual proposal that recreates the shapes of nature and hosts a menu full of local ingredients, fresh vegetables grown by local farmers and both plant-based and meat options from farms committed to animal welfare.

Don’t miss…: Its beautiful space and tacos.

SEVILLE

La Tizná Restaurant

This sustainable organic and seasonal food restaurant is located next to the Viapol courthouse. It is a versatile space to buy, eat and drink fresh, local, organic, sustainable and seasonal products.

Don’t miss…: Their authentic scrambled eggs for their traditional taste of homemade food of a lifetime.

Estraperlo Restaurant

This organic and seasonal food restaurant is located next to Maria Luisa Park in Seville. In it, you will not only find delicious dishes made with local organic products, but also a market and a culinary center. It is one of the absolutely essential places if you want to enjoy a sustainable gastronomic experience in the Andalusian capital.

Don’t miss…: Their Iberian cheeks in Port wine with mashed potatoes and their traditional flamenquines.

How much is what you eat worth?

How much is what you eat worth?

Difference between value and price

Consumers are increasingly aware of the value of food. More and more people are looking for organic and seasonal foods, although the price differential may vary for certain products. Do you know the difference between value and price? Don’t hesitate any longer, we explain it all to you.

It is important for us to keep in mind that when we choose to buy conventional food at a low cost, it is always at the cost of something: either intensive production methods are used that employ pesticides and chemicals to reduce costs (less water, less time, less work…) that seriously damage the health of our planet and the people who live on it or the farmer does not obtain adequate profits for his work (in many cases, insufficient). In any case, these savings are always at the expense of the quality of the products that reach our hands and of agricultural practices that are questionable to say the least.

That said, What is the difference between value and price? Price is only what we pay for a product, while value implies taking into account the benefits and qualities of the product.

That is, while some organic foods may be higher priced (and not always!), their true value lies in nutritional quality, sustainable and environmentally friendly production, and support for ethical farming practices.

Let’s talk about oil (at the price it’s at!)

The price difference between an eco oil obtained in a sustainable way and a conventional one is approximately 45 euros per year. This can be a considerable expense for many families, but do you know the true value of organic oil?

Choosing to buy organic products is not only a cost in our pocket, but a commitment to the welfare, ours and the planet’s, the environment, sustainability in the short, medium and long term and with farmers who respect and care for the land they work and the product they get from it. Although it may initially appear to be a higher investment, the value of an eco oil in terms of nutritional quality, reduced environmental impact and support for ethical and sustainable agricultural practices, far outweighs any price difference compared to a conventional oil.

Whichever way you look at it, investing in organic food is, without a doubt, investing in a better future for us and for the planet. For this reason, it seeks the green leaf and opt for eco and organic products. Your well-being and that of the planet will thank you.

Green inside, green outside

Green inside, green outside

Towards a plastic-free future

By now, no one doubts how harmful plastics are to the environment and to people’s health. We could give a thousand reasons to try to convince that the use of non-biodegradable materials is incredibly harmful to the planet, but it is already quite clear… Or is it?

We know that plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade completely. We know that our oceans are full of plastics and microplastics that we ingest through fish and that pollute the environment and marine ecosystems. We know that rivers and mountains are full of non-biodegradable materials that not only pollute the environment, but are also harmful to flora and fauna. We know the impact plastic has on human health. However, despite all this, we continue to consume and manufacture all kinds of plastic products and packaging. The cosmetics industry alone produces 120 billion packages every year, the vast majority of which are made of plastic.

This is why it is important not only to consume eco and organic products, but also to pay special attention to packaging (and buy in bulk whenever possible!).

Organic food and biodegradable packaging

In this sense, it is essential for organic food to use biodegradable packaging that does not harm the environment. It’s not just a question of eco products being sustainable on the inside, but also on the outside. Therefore, environmentally friendly packaging must take care of the planet and be in line with the 7Rs: redesign, reduce, reuse, repair, renew, recover and recycle.

To recognize companies that strive for innovative and sustainable packaging, there are the following awards Ecodesign Awards organized by Ecovalia, which highlight the best packaging for ecological and organic products. The competition rewards packaging that is not only sustainable, but also looks sustainable.

The awards Ecodesign Awards awards value products that have a sustainable image and environmentally friendly packaging and whose materials are recycled.

Pay close attention at the supermarket to products that meet these characteristics (and have the green leaf label!) and get them whenever you can.

Remember:

  1. Try to buy products whose packaging contains biodegradable materials (this also applies to shampoos, toothpastes, creams, gels…).
  2. If you have to buy something that comes packaged in plastic: REJECT IT!
  3. Reuse containers whenever possible. Glass, for example, is perfect for storing leftovers, works as a tupperware and is ideal for food storage.
  4. If you can, participate in the cleanup of the environments you visit by picking up the non-biodegradable trash you find (this can be a very good activity with children).
  5. Don’t throw it away, recycle it! We are very bad used to throw away everything that breaks down, but it is important that we recover the old habits: repairing is the key to stop consuming at the rate we do.
  6. Open your eyes: practically everything we consume is wrapped or made with plastic, from food to cleaning products, from personal hygiene products to the packaging of what we buy online. It is important that we educate ourselves and start looking at the packaging and wrapping of what we consume: is it really necessary to buy bananas or avocados in a polystyrene tray wrapped in plastic wrap? Of course not!

Sources:

  1. Greenpeace report: Recycling is not enough. Plastic packaging waste management in Spain.
  2. Ecodesign Awards
  3. The sustainable plastic revolution reaches the cosmetics industry
  4. Microplastics in food: their effect on health and how to reduce them
Organic food for children

Organic food for children

Tips for introducing organic food to children

Children are also capable of appreciating organic and balanced food, even if we sometimes underestimate their palate! Sometimes we avoid offering them foods that we think they will not like or enjoy, but the reality is that children tend to be more open and curious than adults.

During childhood, we develop a special sensitivity to the flavors and foods around us, understanding the importance of caring for the planet through organic food and creating memories around it. That is why it is important to educate children about the value of organic food, which benefits both them and the planet.

Here are some tips for introducing organic food to children.

  1. Education matters

Education is fundamental for children to understand the importance of eating eco and organic. Before bringing organic food to the table, it is crucial to educate children about the importance of choosing foods that respect the environment and are beneficial to them. In a simple and playful way, explain the difference between conventional and organic foods, highlighting how the latter are grown without harmful pesticides and chemicals.

  • Going to the supermarket is an adventure!

Involve children in the process of buying organic food. Visiting local markets, organic farms or specialty stores can be an exciting adventure. Let them touch, smell and choose fruits, vegetables and other products. This direct interaction gives them a deeper understanding of where food comes from and fosters a positive connection to organic choices.

  • Cooking together what we are going to eat

Making meal preparation a family project creates a special connection with food. Invite children to participate in the kitchen, choosing fresh and organic ingredients. Explain how each ingredient contributes to wellness and how the cooking process can be both fun and tasty.

  • Snacks healthy

Transform everyday snacks into balanced, eco-friendly options. Substitute fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus or organic nuts for processed crackers. Encourage children to try new combinations and flavors and turn snack time into an opportunity to discover natural delights.

  • A story on my plate

Create interesting narratives about the provenance of the food that arrives on the table. Explain the story behind each dish, from the seed to the organic bread you put on the table, highlighting how choosing organic food contributes to the preservation of the land and biodiversity.

  • My own urban garden

Creating an urban garden with children is an educational and enriching experience that goes beyond simply planting seeds. This project provides children with the opportunity to learn about nature, the life cycle of plants and the importance of sustainability. By getting involved in soil preparation, planting seeds, watering and daily care, the children develop practical skills and also gain knowledge about the importance of healthy eating and respect for the environment. Cheer up! It is not that difficult.

7. Lead by example

Children learn best by example. By incorporating organic foods into your own daily diet, you will be setting a positive model for your children. Share your experiences, explaining why you choose certain foods and how they contribute to your overall well-being.

Let’s make every bite count toward a greener, more nutritious future for our sons and daughters.

Transgenic and GMO foods Why should we avoid them?

Transgenic and GMO foods Why should we avoid them?

Have you ever wondered about transgenic and GMO foods? Do you use them? Do you know why we should avoid them? Today we are going to talk about it.

The use of transgenic foods and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is undoubtedly one of the most controversial issues in the food industry. Are they good? Are they bad? These products, incredibly popular in industrial and large-scale production, raise important questions about their impact on human food and the environment.

But what exactly are transgenic and GMO foods?

GMOs are genetically modified organisms, i.e. plants or animals that have been genetically altered in some way. GMOs are the basis of transgenic foods, those containing genetically modified ingredients that incorporate genes from other species in order to improve their characteristics . For example, tomatoes that are more resistant to pests or grains that tolerate herbicides better.

One of the main arguments against GM foods is their impact on the environment. While it is true that GM foods have increased resistance to pests and herbicides, this can lead to increased dependence on agricultural chemicals, which contributes to increased environmental pollution and soil degradation. In addition, the release of GMOs in nature generates a great impact on biodiversity and genetic contamination of native species.

Always choose organic food

Organic products are produced using sustainable practices that respect the environment and promote biodiversity. And, most importantly, they are free of GMO and transgenic ingredients, making them the best choice for those of us seeking a healthier and more ecologically conscious diet. Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical herbicides or artificial fertilizers. Instead of relying on chemicals, the use of sustainable farming techniques such as crop rotation, composting and raising livestock in grazing systems is encouraged. This not only reduces soil and water contamination, but also respects the health of farm workers. It’s all benefits!

Why choose organic food?

  • Health

Organic products tend to be healthier, as they do not contain pesticide residues or genetically modified ingredients.

  • Animal welfare

Organic products ensure animal welfare.

  • Environmental protection

Organic and ecological food production is more environmentally friendly because it uses sustainable practices and is focused on the conservation of natural resources.

  • Biodiversity enhancement

Promoting biodiversity and soil health is fundamental to organic food production, which benefits local ecosystems.

  • Support for local agriculture

Opting for organic and ecological food means supporting local and sustainable farmers, which is essential to contribute to local economies.

Have you taken a look at your refrigerator? You may find transgenic foods easily substituted by eco and organic products. Review GMO foods and replace them with eco foods. Make the switch and say goodbye to GMOs!

Remember that to find them, just look at the label: if it contains the Euroleaf, it’s organic!