Your money matters and so does eating organic produce.
If you have considered making the switch to eating organic produce, you have likely confronted an increased grocery bill. With organic foods generally costing 10 – 40 percent more than conventional produce, it is helpful to have a shopping strategy.
On average, Americans spend $2,417 per person per year on food according to the 2006 Department of Agriculture’s Consumer Spending Index (CSI). Seem like a lot?
Consider this, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day will cost $2,160 annually and a daily latte and muffin will cost $1,885 a year. It seems we find ways to afford those things that become priorities. If going organic is important to you, perhaps you can find way to make the switch?
I am a proponent of eating organic vegetables for many reasons. First, organic produce usually wins in nutrient quality when compared to non-organic. Second, organic produce reduces the human exposure to fungicides, pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals may overburden our detoxification system and cause harmful health effects over time. Also, buying organic supports the longevity of locally owned organic farms.
Finally, I believe organic produce tastes better than non-organic. If you don’t believe me, taste-test an organic apple compared to a non-organic.
With that said, I don’t eat a 100 percent organic diet. My strategy is to follow the research of the Environmental Working Group who have come up with the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean Fifteen.” (See "Resources" below)
The Dirty Dozen are fruits and vegetables highest in pesticides while the Clean Fifteen are those lowest. So, a price-saving strategy would be to always purchase organic produce listed within the Dirty Dozen, while allowing yourself non-organic produce within those listed on the “Clean Fifteen.” There are many fruits and vegetables that fall between these two categories and the entire rankings can be found at www.foodnews.org.
Another great way to save on Organic Produce is to sign-up for a local organic delivery company sometimes referred to as Community Service Agriculture programs (CSA). For a relatively reasonable weekly rate ($40 – 60) you will receive fresh organic produce for two or more people.
Plus, the CSA usually provides recipes related to the weekly produce so the food is being enjoyed and not rotting on the bottom of your fridge.
The CSA programs usually deliver to a convenient drop-site or directly to your doorstep. Some local favorites are www.spud.com which covers Portland and Seattle and Full Circle Farms (www.fullcirclefarm.com).
Finally, if you’re fortunate enough to own a backyard, then planting your own organic garden can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to put organic produce on your table.
If you can’t swing going organic, don’t feel bad because if you are eating fruits and vegetables (organic or not), you are way ahead of the game!
RESOURCES
Dirty Dozen: These are the 12 fruits and vegetables which tested highest in pesticides. It is probably a good idea to choose organic varieties of all that is listed in the Dirty Dozen.
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrots
12. Pears
Clean Fifteen: Most likely okay to eat non-organic as these are the lowest in pesticides.
1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato
Source: Environmental
Working Group.
 Adam Rinde, ND is a Naturopathic Physician practicing at Sound Integrative Health, PLLC in Kirkland, Wash. Dr. Rinde’s practice is a General Practice with special interest in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Pain, and Musculoskeletal Disease. He can be reached at www.drrinde.com.
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