Going organic has been the topic of conversation these days. I’d like to share some information about why to go organic, and what you should consider buying.
Why organic? I came across the David Suzuki Foundation report which was an eye opener. Although it was published in 2006, he pointed out that there were 60 pesticides widely used in Canada but banned in other industrialized countries. The part that hit home was the list of all 60 pesticides and the health risks associated to each pesticide. This was enough to change my ways especially when I had my first child. I made all her food, and only purchased organic fruits and vegetables. It was expensive but worth it so I thought… then I heard about the dirty dozen and the clean fifteen. The dirty dozen and clean 15 are the fruits and vegetables that are the most and least contaminated by pesticides according to the Environmental Working Group.
What to buy organic? I try to buy mostly organic fruits and vegetables. If you’re not sure consider getting the Dirty Dozen:
Apples
Celery
Sweet bell peppers
Peaches
Strawberries
Nectarines
Grapes
Spinach
Lettuce
Cucumbers
Blueberries
Potatoes
*2 more have recently (2013) been added to the list
Summer squash (zucchini) and Leafy greens (kale and collard greens)
** Tip: when buying organics from the grocery store look for the sticker/product code. Organics start with the #9. If fruit or vegetables are in an organic section and the code starts with the #3 or 4 then it’s not organic.
Non-organics are usually less expensive. Opt for the Clean 15 non-organic fruits and vegetables to save:
Onions
Sweet Corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Cabbage
Sweet peas
Asparagus
Mangoes
Eggplant
Kiwi
Cantaloupe
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Watermelon
Mushrooms
For more information about pesticides visit the David Suzuki website: http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/food/what-are-the-dirty-dozen-and-the-clean-fifteen/
feedforlove 