Is Buying Organic Worth it?
- Marcie Blaskiewicz
- Aug 13, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 22, 2019
Have you ever wondered if it was really worth it to fork over the extra cash to buy organic-labeled produce? The answer to this seems to be a pretty controversial subject. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that buying organic is better us and our planet.
How does it help us? Besides protecting the health of farmers and their neighbors, organic food may be better for our health. It is thought that organic produce contains more disease-preventing antioxidants! Non-organic food carries higher degrees of pesticide residue both on and in the food at time of consumption-YUCK! Organic dairy and meat, particularly from pasture-raised animals, are said to have a healthier balance of fats compared to animals that are conventionally raised.
How does it help our planet? There are numerous way organic farming helps our planet. Some of which include its benefit to the soil, water, air, bees and other helpful insects. Organic farming prevents the depletion of nutrients from the soil by harsh fertilizers and instead strengthens it via composting. It also helps keep water supplies clean and free from toxic chemicals. Organic practices protect bees and other important pollinators by reducing exposure to toxic pesticides. The protection of such insects is essential to crop growth!
The EWG states that buying organic and cooking at home was found to be less expensive than eating out. They state, “By committing to planning your meals and cooking at home with organic ingredients, you can save time, money, eat better, cut down on waste and help protect the environment.”
When tested, certain foods were found to have higher levels of pesticides than others. Some of the highest levels were found on the foods that made the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" list. To further aid in your shopping, they compiled a "Clean Fifteen". Foods on this list have reduced levels of pesticides.
The EWG bases these lists on annual reports from the U.S Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Program.
EWG's "Dirty Dozen" for 2019:
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
EWG's "Clean Fifteen" for 2019:
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Sweet peas (frozen)Onions
Papayas
Eggplants
Asparagus
Kiwis
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Cantaloupes
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Honeydew
The take-home msg is this: When possible, look to buy organic foods listed in the "Dirty Dozen". But keep in mind, that it is better to eat ANY and ALL fruits and veggies than to totally skip out on them due to "fear" of them being non-organic. Make smart, informed choices the best you can, using the "Clean Fifteen" list as your guide. And consider buying organic foods and preparing meals at home vs. eating out.
Hope this helps!
-xox MB
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