Buy organic?

Small doses of some pesticides can cause lasting damage to your nervous system, reproductive organs, hormone systems and more. This damage may be amplified during fetal development and young childhood.

If you do any grocery shopping you’ve probably noticed that buying organic produce can cost 10-100% more than conventional produce. This can be overwhelming. Buy that produce which would normally be high in pesticides in the organic section and don’t worry about buying the rest non-organic to save money. According to the Environmental Working Group you can reduce your pesticide intake by up to 80 percent by avoiding what they call the “Dirty Dozen”, the most contaminated produce.

When possible, buy locally. Go to the farmer’s market and ask about how their food is grown. I’ve found that many farms are not certified organic (due to expenses of becoming certified) but they use organic methods. Buy what’s in season and it’ll taste better and cost less. Besides using less pesticides, buying locally can help the environment by not having your food trucked around the world. It also helps your neighbors/local economy.

Fruits and Veggies you should buy organic (contains highest amounts of pesticides)

Peach
Apple
Sweet Bell Pepper
Celery
Nectarine
Strawberries
Cherries
Kale
Lettuce
Grapes – Imported
Carrot
Pear

Produce with the lowest pesticide Load

Onion
Avocado
Sweet Corn – Frozen
Pineapple
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas – Frozen
Kiwi
Cabbage
Eggplant
Papaya
Watermelon
Broccoli
Tomato
Sweet Potato

For the full list see http://www.foodnews.org/fulllist.php