This Earth Day, go green with organic everything

Many argue that when it comes to selecting your products, organic is not necessarily the exclusive path to good health. In fact some studies find that in terms of vitamin and mineral content, you get the same whether your veggies are homegrown and all-natural, or genetically-modified and grown on a super-farm. Still, the attraction of organic goods is difficult to ignore. There will always be the argument that organic greens and meats are not ridden with pesticides and hormones that could have detrimental effects on your health, that organic beauty and household products have fewer chemicals and are biodegradable so they don’t pollute the water. This is probably why there has been a surge in the popularity of organic goods lately. During last year’s Foodservice Convention, it was revealed that aside from people turning “locavore” (preferring local products), 47 percent of shoppers in Asia Pacific also choose organic products, whether it’s food or consumer goods. Perhaps because of this, restaurants and stores that offer all-natural products are becoming easier to come by, even in seemingly synthetic Manila and beyond. For those who would like to go organic, here are some places you could check out: Food Anyone in search for a deliciously unhealthy deep-fried treat will be hard-pressed to find it at Sugarleaf, where vegetables and organic lean meats reign supreme. With a menu consisting of an assortment of wraps, sandwiches, and juices, the food at Sugarleaf may not be the heartiest or most comforting, but they’re undeniably healthy. Below the restaurant, there is also a corner store called Healthy Choices stocked with organic produce that includes a variety of vegetables, free-range chicken, all-natural virgin coconut oil, health superfoods such as Chia seeds, and yes, even organic bacon(!!!). Now if it’s vegetarian comfort food that you want, there is also Quantum Cafe on Bagtikan in Makati. The restaurant uses vegetables picked right from their mini-garden so you can’t get any more fresh than that. Their veggie meat adobo might even taste better than your mother’s, while for the carnivores, organic-meat dishes such as the organic chicken teriyaki and beef burger steak can sate your appetite. Over in Baguio, there is also Mother’s Garden, a restaurant, workshop, and yes, a garden with a wonderful view of Baguio City and a menu boasting a variety of flower-strewn salads, pizzas, a cheese-and-deli platter, and filling meals like Sicilian Chicken, Beef Burger, and Fish and Chips--the ingredients of which all come from her garden, which you can tour before or after your meal. At the Cubao Expo, there is Earth Green (formerly Geo Shop) where one can find healthy dry goods for your pantry, such as Kapeng Bigas, lemongrass powder, fruit wine, all-natural dalandan concentrate, and pure honey. You could also check out Ritual at The Collective in Makati, which carries artisanal food such as Pinkerton Ice Cream, Aeta Organics Hot Sauce (“straight from the jungle”), Theo and Philo chocolates, Arabica coffee concentrate, and pure butter. Bags and accessories Fashion can be green too, as the bags at Rags2Riches prove by virtue of their very existence. These bags are so fashionable that you almost forget they’re eco-friendly too, made out of a combination of scrap and organic fabrics. While not exactly organic, the bags at Yadu at the Collective are certainly environmentally friendly--old clothes given a second life and resurrected in the form of cute, patchwork bags. Siklo is another eco-friendly accessory shop as well, with their pouches, backpacks, and bags made out of old rubber tires. Bath and Home products For the whole shebang, you may want to visit Balik Bukid this April 28 in Sta. Elena Laguna. Balik Bukid is a country fair that promotes the sustainable lifestyle by gathering local merchants that sell eco-friendly products that range from organic soaps and make-up, to children’s clothes made out of cotton, to reusable bags, and even produce and milk. Sesou Nature Source is the go-to if you want to stock your bathroom in an eco-friendly way. The store carries a wide range of bath and body products, including not only make-up, but soaps, lotions, and even household cleaners. It carries a variety of ,budget- and eco-friendly brands such as Plantex, Human Nature, Giga, Leyende, Zen, and Messy Bessy. — DVM, GMA News