If budget constraints have been holding you back from buying organic produce, consider starting with fruits and vegetables to see a difference in your budget. One common misconception about organic products is that they’re too expensive, but it’s really a matter of getting the best deal for your health.
Going organic with fruit and vegetables can have a significant impact. Not only are they free of added chemicals, fertilizers, and hormones, but they’re also more nutritious overall. If budget is an issue, consider shopping smart – there are some products that are contaminated with pesticides while others are low-risk.
A helpful reference point is the Environmental Working Group’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Clean Fifteen’ lists. The ‘Dirty Dozen’ highlights 12 of the worst pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables, while the ‘Clean Fifteen’ showcases the least likely to have pesticide residues. The lists look like this:
Dirty Dozen:
• Apples
• Celery
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Grapes
• Spicy chiles
• Imported nectarines
• Peaches
• Potatoes
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Sweet peppers
Clean Fifteen:
(Please note that the Environmental Working Group has compiled the lists)