Each year, the Environmental Working Group releases two lists, the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean 15”, based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program (PDP) report. These guides rank produce with the most and least pesticide residue. Since most of us are on a budget, it’s helpful to know where we should spend the extra on organic and where we can choose conventional, while still being mindful of our health.
All produce, regardless of whether you buy organic or not, should be thoroughly washed. While organic produce will not be sprayed with synthetic, toxic chemicals, it is still treated with naturally derived substances.
And just a little bit of background info. Farmers who grow conventional produce use toxic pesticides to control pests who damage their crops. While the goal is to only harm the pests, an unfortunate side effect is the damage done to the environment and people. While there are limits set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it by no means proves that there are safe levels, especially as toxins can load up in the body over time. In addition, pesticides can travel great distances as they are absorbed into soil and flow into rain water, contaminating streams and other bodies of water and the animals that live in them. Many studies are currently under way to investigate the devastating effects of pesticides including cancer, hormone disruption, and neurological and neurodevelopmental issues. Scary stuff.
If purchasing all organic is not an option, try following the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” guides so you can wisely pick and choose where to spend your money and protect your health. If you don’t see your favorite veggie or fruit on the list, a good rule of thumb is to take a look and it and see if it has an outer skin that you would discard before eating. For example, an avocado. The skin will do a good job protecting the inside from pesticide exposure.
If you have any small family owned farms or farmer’s markets where you live, consider purchasing your produce there and supporting their small businesses. This is almost always more affordable than purchasing through grocery stores as there is no middle man. And while they may not be officially “organic” because it can be cost prohibitive for small farms to become certified, the vast majority do not use pesticides.
Dirty Dozen
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
- Sweet Bell Peppers
Clean 15
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Cabbages
- Onions
- Sweet Peas
- Papayas
- Asparagus
- Mangoes
- Eggplants
- Honeydews
- Kiwis
- Cantaloupes
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
