Promoting organic living in Niagara
Erik Dickson
Issue date: 6/9/09 Section: News
They also admitted that the issue is not as simple as organic versus non-organic, but that looking for and eating more naturally, hand-grown products is just as important.
"I think, in our culture, we eat too much processed food, fast food and all sorts of things that aren't good for us," said Rajakumar. "I want to see people eat better food, and healthier food."
"We're going to be affected by the things that we interact with on a daily basis," said Hlinyanszky. "If we keep choosing conventional then we're just exasperating an already established problem with chemical pollution in our world."
When asked about misconceptions about organic foods, both said that many people believe that organic has to mean more expensive, which isn't necessarily the case. For them, sometimes it is just as important to buy local, fresh food.
"My argument is that you should buy everything from a primary source," said Hlinyanszky. "Don't buy cut and peeled carrots. Buy your carrots whole, and buy them local. Go to the market, it's cheaper."
She also emphasized that students can make healthier choices, even on a budget. She pointed out that by shopping at the local farmers' market in downtown St. Catharines, you are not only spending less money, but you are helping local growers by paying them directly.
Both also noted that making better food choices can be as simple as reading signs and labels, as most major grocery stores advertise local, in-season produce that is more fresh and will last longer.
In the long run, they hope that people are willing to be openminded about organic foods, and that if they are, they are guaranteed a healthier lifestyle. Rajakumar emphasized this point by looking at the higher cost of organics as an investment.
"I think what people need to realize is that if they make an investment into eating organic continuously, the health benefits they receive are far greater than spending the money on fixing a body that has been damaged by eating poorly."
The Pan Café is located at 120 St. Paul Street, and is open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The farmers market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Market Square.
"I think, in our culture, we eat too much processed food, fast food and all sorts of things that aren't good for us," said Rajakumar. "I want to see people eat better food, and healthier food."
"We're going to be affected by the things that we interact with on a daily basis," said Hlinyanszky. "If we keep choosing conventional then we're just exasperating an already established problem with chemical pollution in our world."
When asked about misconceptions about organic foods, both said that many people believe that organic has to mean more expensive, which isn't necessarily the case. For them, sometimes it is just as important to buy local, fresh food.
"My argument is that you should buy everything from a primary source," said Hlinyanszky. "Don't buy cut and peeled carrots. Buy your carrots whole, and buy them local. Go to the market, it's cheaper."
She also emphasized that students can make healthier choices, even on a budget. She pointed out that by shopping at the local farmers' market in downtown St. Catharines, you are not only spending less money, but you are helping local growers by paying them directly.
Both also noted that making better food choices can be as simple as reading signs and labels, as most major grocery stores advertise local, in-season produce that is more fresh and will last longer.
In the long run, they hope that people are willing to be openminded about organic foods, and that if they are, they are guaranteed a healthier lifestyle. Rajakumar emphasized this point by looking at the higher cost of organics as an investment.
"I think what people need to realize is that if they make an investment into eating organic continuously, the health benefits they receive are far greater than spending the money on fixing a body that has been damaged by eating poorly."
The Pan Café is located at 120 St. Paul Street, and is open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The farmers market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Market Square.
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