UK: Make a small change to organic this September

The Soil Association has launched 2014’s Organic September campaign – the UK’s biggest celebration of all things organic, which takes place in a year which saw the organic market return to growth (we reported earlier) and scientific evidence showed nutritional differences in organic  vegetables, fruit and cereals.

Building on the success of the 2013 campaign, which saw a sales increase by 9% during September (Source: Nielsen), this year’s theme is once again Small Changes, Big Difference. Consumers are encouraged to make one small change to their shopping habits in order to make a big difference to sustainable food, animal welfare or the environment. Some of the small changes people can make include switching to organic milk, eggs, apples, choosing an organic moisturiser or even buying an organic cotton t-shirt. (Picture: As part of Organic September, Jack Cockburn held an Open Farm day at Treberfedd Farm, near Lampeter, Ceredigion)

By telling the Soil Association what organic product they’ve bought this September, consumers could also be in with the chance of winning a year’s free supply of electricity from Good Energy, a 100% renewable electricity company, who are supporting this year’s campaign. Information about how to enter is available here. Throughout September members of the public will also be asked to vote for their favourite organic products in the 2014 Organic Awards. This year’s awards have seen the categories extended from food and drink to cover all things organic – from eating out and holidays, to skincare and clothing. Independent, online and national retailers will be promoting organic, offering discounts and holding events. (Picture: Jolly Scrummy picked up a Gold award for their Hot Chilli and Lime Jelly and their Cranberry and Orange Jelly)

The Soil Association is also hosting key events throughout September. An important part of the activity is Organic Beauty Week, taking place from 8-14 September, celebrating organic health and beauty products with a series of regional events with major retailers, as well as providing a number of discount vouchers. Neal’s Yard Remedies, Pai, Odylique and Spiezia are among the organic brands taking part. In addition, Organic Fashion & Textiles Week – taking place from 12-16 September, to coincide with London Fashion Week – will be a focal point for organic textiles and fashion brands and retailers, with ethical clothing company People Tree planning a series of activities and events as well as many others from across the sector. There will be offers, competitions and other activities for consumers to get involved in, as well as listings for the wide variety of activities being undertaken by organic companies and brands across the country. A further key event taking part during Organic September is a briefing for trade on latest market data and trends in London on 23 September 2014. More information and the latest update are available here.