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Why Organic?
Is organic food better for you? The value of organics in our diet is a highly debated topic. The truth of the matter is that there have been many claims on both sides of the argument.
I personally eat organic whenever possible because there has been no conclusive research done to show the effects of small amounts of pesticides in the body over several years of exposure. I am especially strict about meat, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and milk, because of the added hormones and antibiotics. But truthfully, eating organics comes down to a matter of personal choice. Whatever your choice is, the important thing is to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. Don't forgo the fruits and veggies just because you can't find or afford organic. Instead, make sure to wash them thoroughly with clean water and pick the ones that have been proven to have the least amount of pesticide residue.
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Conventional farmers |
Organic farmers |
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Apply chemical fertilizers to promote plant growth. |
Apply natural fertilizers, such as manure or compost, to feed soil and plants. |
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Spray insecticides to reduce pests and disease. |
Use beneficial insects and birds, mating disruption or traps to reduce pests and disease. |
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Use chemical herbicides to manage weeds. |
Rotate crops, till, hand weed or mulch to manage weeds. |
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Give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications to prevent disease and spur growth. |
Give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors. Use preventive measures — such as rotational grazing, a balanced diet and clean housing — to help minimize disease |
Why Should You Care About Pesticides?
The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood. Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.
What’s the Difference?
Research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily. The Guide helps consumers make informed choices to lower their dietary pesticide load.
Will Washing and Peeling Help?
Nearly all the studies used to create these lists assume that people rinse or peel fresh produce. Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.
SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES
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“Dirty Dozen” |
“Clean 15” |
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Buy These Organic |
Lowest in Pesticides |
