We all wish we could buy organic all the time, it tastes better, its less toxic, and much better for our environment, especially our valuable groundwater. Sometimes its not possible, some fruits and veggies are almost impossible to find organic, and some are just plain TOO expensive! Here is a helpful link to find what you want to avoid in non organic foods, and what is far less harmful. These lists are based on studies found by the EWG (environmental working group) a watchdog that ranks produce with a score based on the number of pesticides present and at what levels.
– imported
– domestic
– domestic
Health and environment watchdog, Environmental Working Group (EWG), has released the eighth edition of its Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce with updated data on 45 commonly-consumed fruits and vegetables and their total pesticide loads. The results are based on analysis of pesticide residue testing data from the US Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration
Dirty Dozen: The 12 to buy organic (in order of pesticide load, apples being the worst offenders).
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Imported nectarines
7. Grapes
8. Spinach
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Domestic blueberries
12. Potatoes