Have you ever thought about how your everyday shopping affects your health and the health of the planet? Here are some facts that are guaranteed to make you think:
- research shows that the production of products used in the household (food, beauty products, cleaning products, etc.) accounts for nearly 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- a third of the food produced worldwide is wasted
- if everyone in the world lived like Europeans, we would need 2.3 Earths to meet our needs for natural resources
- your body contains 700 different chemicals, many of which you contribute (mostly unknowingly, of course) through the products you buy
- regular consumption of processed foods can contribute to the development of a host of organ and cancer diseases
What can you do then? First, get to know the 12 points of conscious shopping! This is a great little guide to help you do your everyday shopping in a way that's good for the planet and good for your health. Here's the list:
Source from
Next, visit organic shops! They are all based on the principles of sustainability and healthy living, and with a little shopping and a little attention you can tick all the boxes above. And with plenty of organic shops outside Budapest, we're sure you can find one near you with a quick search online.
What can you expect when you shop in an organic shop?
Think of it as a combination of a pharmacy selling natural remedies and a small grocery store. Most of their products are certified organic, eco or organic. And the selection is growing to meet the needs of customers: you can find nutritional supplements, reformulated foods, seasonal products and even books promoting environmental awareness. But let's take a point-by-point look at the benefits of organic shops:
You are doing good for our planet
1. You can shop green. Most organic shops offer environmentally friendly products: organic food, recyclable products, beauty products made from natural ingredients.
You probably won't find a nylon bag in any health food shop, but you can find packaging-free alternatives in many places if you're careful. What's more, you can also buy practical accessories that make zero waste easier.
2. You support a domestic business. Most organic food shops are family-run, or at least home-grown, and they offer a wide range of products from local businesses - organic farmers, small producers, artisans.
By buying from them instead of the multinationals, you're supporting them and protecting the environment: you're saving the huge carbon emissions of transport.
Doing good for your health
3. You'll find all natural ingredients. Do you read product labels before you buy? You're right to do so, but you might not understand a word of it: there are so many chemicals and industry-standard names that it's no wonder you don't know them off by heart. But organic shops are, as their name suggests, organic, with products made from natural ingredients. So you know exactly what you're putting on or in your body.
4. You can take a big step towards a healthy lifestyle. The word "organic" on the label means that the ingredients used to make...
- the plant is not subjected to any chemical or chemical treatment;
- the animal is fed on organic feed and is not treated with hormones or antibiotics
And there are plenty of organic and reformulated foods available in health food shops that are both healthy and safe - and delicious! Research also shows that organic foods are much higher in nutrients and contain more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
You will find a wide range of products in organic shops
5. You can buy everything from beauty products to vitamins. Health food shops are a treasure trove for those who want to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. You can discover super new brands and products, and the range is huge.
6. You can get help from expert sellers. In traditional supermarkets, you're happy to ask where to find a product and the salesperson can show you. In health food shops, you can ask for advice straight away: you can find out which products are good for what, or even ask for help on what natural remedy might be the solution to a particular problem.
A CYCLE online organic shop specialises in household cleaning products, you will find the ideal solution for every corner of your home. The innovative products are all made with sustainability and naturalness in mind. You don't have to worry about the health hazards of chemicals (see our previous article on toxic chemicals in traditional cleaning products). And unlike traditional cleaning products, they are made using recycled water and recycled plastic, so you can cut down on the incredible waste of water and plastic.
