Have you made the switch to eating organic produce? Are you concerned about the cost of organic food in today’s economy? I held off for quite a while on buying organic produce because I thought it was an “all or nothing” decision however, the Environmental Working Group suggests that you can reduce your pesticide intake by 90 percent if you eat the organic versions of only about 10 different produce items.

A Compelling Case For Organic Food

There is a growing consensus according to the EWG that even small amounts of pesticides and chemicals do have an effect on our health. The agreement among many health professionals is that we face increasing levels of overall toxic burden, making it even more important to educate about the importance of managing toxins in our lives. Home products, skincare products, plastics, toys, renovations, water and our food are all areas where we can begin to make shift towards some different choices.

Toxic exposure is most harmful to children, who’s bodies are still developing and also for pregnant women and their newborns. Due to the ever increasing use of questionable chemicals in our culture, times are very different now than say, 60 years ago before the end of World War II when many of these new chemicals (with minimal studies) were introduced into our society. Is it any wonder we are experiencing upwards of 200% increases in childhood illnesses and disease? Unfortunately, I assume that generations of exposure to harmful toxins are beginning to add up. Switching to as many organic foods as possible is one step we can take at home to reduce our body’s overall toxic burden.

Balancing Your Organic Food Dollars

Many are reluctant to switch to all organic foods because of the cost however I have found that organic food can cost the same a conventional. Are you raising your eyebrows at this seemingly bold statement?  It took us a long time to switch over due to the perceived cost of organic however we underestimated how efficient and cost effective a local farmers market or an organic delivery program could be. After a little investigating into our local area, we have discovered that eating organic produce on the whole is not more expensive than non organic foods. I have also chosen not to buy big ticket packaged items so that we can make our fresh food organic dollars go further.

In her article Spending Your Organic Food Dollars Wisely, Sloan Barnett  suggests 4 ways you can stretch your organic dollars:

• Follow the EWG’s suggestions by switching over the top ten produce items found to have the highest pesticide levels.
• Shop around and locate the best deals in your area for organic foods
• Buy local and in season as much as possible.
• Join a Co-op
• Grow some of your own food in the summer months

Top 10 Choices To Reduce Your Pesticide Exposure

If making the switch is difficult in your area, consider this list of the top foods you should consider buying organic according to the EWG who compiled data on pesticide levels in produce. You can also grab EWG’s printer friendly wallet guide that has more valuable information on it.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce, Spinach
9. Grapes – Imported
10. Pears

How easy is it to find organic food in your area? Have you made the switch? Are you concerned about chemicals and pesticides in our foods?

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10 Produce Items You’re Better Off Buying Organic