Organic Matter

When did you start BOCA? I started it at the end of April 2007. We do a lot of sharing of local resources, as well as general wellness and health issues. So is it just an online group, or are there meetings or events in real life? Last year we went to the Derunwu Buddhist Organic Farm, and the Green Yard dairy farm. But the group is almost 300 people now, so we’d have to get a big bus. 300? Who are all these health nuts? There are a few members who are macrobiotic, a few who are vegetarian or vegan, a few who have kids with allergies, but most are just people who want to be a little healthier. What are your other favorite places for organic food in the area? Lohao City is a chain store that until recently was the only place to get organic coffee, honey and cereal, and there’s a new store called Beyond Organic, with mostly Chinese organic products. But what does “organic” really mean in China? Some of the produce here can’t get certification, but if it has certification, I feel it can be trusted. Why do you care so much about organic food? So much of our consciousness is tied up with advertisements, corporations and brands, and organic food is about saying “my health and my family are more important than the millions you spend on advertising.” It’s an awareness campaign, and if I can get people to be healthier, I get a kick out of that.

Details

To join BOCA, visit http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/beijing_organic_consumers