We are all looking for ways to provide our families with great nutrition and to keep them healthy. Although most of us would never put a price on that, the cost of fresh and healthy choices may seem to stretch the budget at times. With price increases for food, fuel and nearly everything else, it may be cost prohibitive to choose organic produce on a regular basis for many families. In a time where we are budget-conscious it is important to take a closer look at the best time and methods to save money on our grocery bills. Since studies have linked pesticides to birth defects, cancer and neurological damage, there may be times when paying a little more for particular produce items is worth the investment as it impacts the well-being of our family. Let’s take a look at the twelve produce items that the Environmental Working Group calls the “Dirty Dozen” due to the number of pesticides used to conventionally produce these crops.
What does it mean to buy “Organic”?
The term organic refers to how the crop is grown and processed. Organic farming may use manure, mulch and crop rotations to combat weed growth and insects instead of chemical herbicides or pesticides. Organic farming practices are also designed to reduce pollution and conserve soil and water. Organic farming typically is more labor intensive than conventional farming methods and they are subject to more regulations. These items are often reflected in the price of organic vs. non-organic produce.
Things to think about when choosing organic vs. non-organic produce:
- If you have to choose when to buy organic because cost is a factor, consider going organic on the produce items above that may contain the most pesticides.
- Non-organic produce can be peeled and exterior layers of leaves trimmed, etc. if you are concerned about the number of pesticides used in their cultivation. Fruits and veggies with a less permeable exterior can most successfully be peeled to remove pesticides and other chemicals.
- Look for fruits and vegetables from local sources. By purchasing vegetables from smaller, local farms you may be able to find organic vegetables at less expensive prices and also the closer to the source the produce is, the fresher it will be.
When deciding whether to purchase organic vs. non-organic produce, factors regarding environmental impact, cost, and health risks or benefits may all be considerations. Choose what is right for you and your family and most importantly eat your fruits and veggies!
Let us know what guides your choice between organic versus non-organic produce?