Clean 15 + Dirty Dozen

There are lists called the Clean 15 + Dirty Dozen given by the EWG (Environmental Working Group) to help guide us in which fruits and vegetables to try and buy organic and which are OK to buy conventional if we choose to.

Clean 15 Fifteen + Dirty Dozen EWG Lists

Clean 15 + Dirty Dozen

Is buying organic really worth it?

The more organic we eat, the less chemicals we are consuming.
Conventional produce gets sprayed with a ton of pesticides. These toxins disrupt our bodies and weaken our immune system.
Organic produce is higher in nutrients so we can think of it as paying for better nutrition.
Most of the time it just tastes better! It does not have all of the preservatives on it like conventional produce, so it’s usually fresher. It’s why an organic salad usually tastes better than a conventional salad with the exact same ingredients. It’s why one veggie tray tastes a whole lot better than another veggie tray.

With this said, I know it’s not always possible to buy organic (availability) and it is a privilege to be able to afford it. If conventional is the only option, it is still WAY better eating conventional fruits and vegetables vs a bunch of processed food. Thanks to EWG’s ongoing research, they provide us with a list of 15 conventional fruits and vegetables that contain a lower amount of pesticides (overall).

Clean 15 + Dirty Dozen Lists:

These are the most up to date lists at the time I am writing this. The dirty dozen list are those that contain the highest level of pesticides. When possible, try to buy organic from this list. The Clean 15 are those that contain the least amount of pesticides. This is where you may opt to choose conventional produce, but of course organic is always better.

What to buy organic and what is OK to buy conventional

Usually anything with softer skin absorbs more toxins than those with a thick skin. For example lettuce, berries, and peaches really absorb pesticides so I always buy those organic. Melons and avocados have thicker skins so they block more pesticides. It’s why I don’t mind buying those two conventional.

Pineapple, avocado, melons, kiwi, lemons, limes, papaya, onions, cauliflower, and eggplant are items I will often buy nonorganic/conventional. If it is available though, and the price is not too crazy, I opt for organic. Potatoes, although not listed on the dirty dozen list are one to buy organic (when available) too. When you eat the skin like I do, you don’t want to ingest the excess chemicals.

Whenever I buy conventional, I just make sure I wash the produce extra well. For example, I wash conventional lemons and limes really well. Even though they have a thicker skin, I know when I’m squeezing them with a lemon squeezer, whatever is on the outside is getting in my water. I really should just be squeezing them with my hands all of the time since I’m not always buying organic, but I don’t. I need to work on that.

Local Farmers + Farmers Markets

There is an “organic” caveat. There are many local or small farmers who can’t afford to pay or find it unnecessary to have their farm labeled as certified organic even though they grow all of their food without the use of pesticides. When you are at local stands or Farmer’s Markets, you can just ask how they grow their food. Many of them are actually practicing organic farming. I gladly give my money to these farmers.

Is organic food better for the environment?

Organic farming is better for the environment because its practices involve less pollution, soil erosion, and energy. Eliminating the use of pesticides in farming also benefits nearby birds and animals and people who live close to farms.
Forager Project

The more we buy organic, the more our voice is heard about health concerns.

Riane’s Tidbits

Of course my grocery bill is higher because of buying mostly organic, but health is a priority to me so I look at it as a need, not a want. I also save money by going out to eat less, so it kind of evens out. Here is an Ebook of groceries I buy at Costco to save money too.

One of my dreams is to someday have a large garden to grow a lot of our own food. Well, it started as my husband’s dream and now I have adapted it to mine as well. I just wanted to make sure that he was doing most of the work. HA. I am sure I will enjoy some of it, but not like him. Being able to grow your own food saves a lot on groceries, at least in the summer months. Plus, you know exactly what is getting sprayed or should I say not getting sprayed on your food.

I am not a stickler though. When I am outside of my home I know that I am not eating organic for the norm. This is where I let go. I control what I can at home, and let go of what I can’t everywhere else.

So grateful you are following along! xx Riane

Find me on the daily @herhealthystyle