Soil Association Organic Fortnight, sponsored by Organix and Greenvale AP, is a nationwide campaign bringing together individuals, communities, retailers, restaurants, schools and organic farms for the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic. Supporters will be hosting events all over the country from organic breakfasts at work and farm open days to organic cookery lessons in schools and organic fashion shows. 

The message this year is ‘Love Your Planet, Choose Organic’. Amidst growing concerns about climate change and food security, Soil Association Organic Fortnight provides a chance to look at why organic production - fashion, beauty, food and farming - is better for the planet.

The fortnight kicks off with the Soil Association Organic Food Festival, Europe’s largest celebration of organic, 6-7 September 2008, at Bristol Harbourside, sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic.


ORGANIC FOOD - Five reasons to eat organic:

For health. On average, organic fruit and vegetables contain higher levels of vitamin C, essential minerals and cancer fighting antioxidants.
No nasty additives. Amongst the many additives banned by the Soil Association are hydrogenated fat, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and monosodium glutamate.
Avoids pesticides. Over 300 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming. Pesticides are often present in non-organic food.
Care for animals. No system of farming has higher levels of animal welfare standards than organic farms working to Soil Association standards.
Good for wildlife and the environment. Organic farming is better for wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprayers and produces less carbon dioxide - the main global warming gas.

ORGANIC HEALTH AND BEAUTY - Five reasons to be an organic beauty:

Safety. Our precautionary principle means that if there is any doubt about an ingredient - it is banned - so no parabens, no phthalates and no GM ingredients

Avoid irritation. We ban synthetic fragrances which have been found to cause on third of all cosmetic allergies and irritating foaming agents like sodium laureth sulphate.

'Cocktail effect'. Cut down on the products that you and your family use. Much of the concern is about the 'cocktail effect' of the chemicals in the different products that we use. Many women are using over 20 different products a day, bombarding themselves with hundreds of different chemicals - is that eyelash conditioner really essential?

Trust. Look for the Soil Association symbol on organic products to ensure that they meet our strict organic standards.

No need to compromise. Delicious balms, gorgeous lotions and beautiful baby products are all available and perform so well that there is no need to compromise on performance to become an organic beauty.

ORGANIC TEXTILES - Five reason to cotton on to organic textiles:

Better for people and the environment. The absence of harmful chemicals is better for the future of our planet. Non-organic cotton farming uses one quarter of the world’s pesticides causing damage to the environment and causing illness and deaths among cotton workers.

Avoid hazardous chemicals. Over 8000 chemicals can be used to turn cotton into a T shirt or duvet cover - the Soil Association standards ban the use of any chemicals that are hazardous to the environment or our health.

Campaigning for labour rights. Organic cotton farmers in developing countries report higher incomes and better health. Non-organic cotton workers often live and work in poor conditions and are forced to work long hours for little reward.

Avoidance of GM. GM cotton is grown commercially in many countries so choosing organic cotton is the best way to avoid buying GM.

No need to compromise. Stylish organic clothing and household textiles are now widely available so there is no need to compromise on style and organic integrity.

What other events are on?

Soil Association Organic Food Festival 2008, 6-7 September 2008, Harbourside, Bristol
The Soil Association Organic Food Festival, sponsored by Yeo Valley Organic, is Europe’s largest celebration of all things organic. Now in its eighth year, over 300 organic companies are represented - with bustling food markets, the very best in food and drink, fashion, beauty and skincare, homeware products, a green planet pavilion, a demonstration kitchen, a programme of talks, food cruises around the harbour, children’s activities, must and street theatre. To keep it green and encourage people to come by train, the Soil Association, in partnership with First Travel, are offering a 2 for 1 offer on festival tickets on presentation of proof of using First Travel transport.
Soil Association members and under 16s get in for free and those that join on the day get their entry fee reimbursed
New in 2008 - there will be a grow your own gardening feature where you can find useful tips and advice, a ‘Food for Life’ Partnership Cooking Bus to encourage healthy eating at school, food trails and competitions, and an interactive food demonstration area.
www.soilassociation.org/festival

Glasgow Organic Food Festival 2008, 20-21 September 
 
Scotland will be celebrating Soil Association Organic Fortnight with the Glasgow Organic Food Festival. Coinciding with the final weekend of Scottish Food Fortnight, the event will benefit from two major publicity campaigns. This year, Soil Association Scotland has partnered up with Doors Open Day, which welcomed 35,000 visitors last year. Promotional opportunities include guided walks looking at the history of food in Glasgow and chefs demonstrating favourite dishes from the 1920s-1940s. The expanded 2008 festival occupies more of the Merchant City’s historic venues, with the stunning Ramshorn Theatre hosting a programme of talks and tastings, exhibits including skincare, textiles and green home market plus an organic cafe. The food market returns to the Old Fruitmarket.
www.soilassociation.org/festivalscotland