Should You Buy Organic?

This is a very hot debate. Those that feel buying organic is important will defend this belief with a great deal of passion while other laugh at the thought of paying nearly double the price for produce, meat, eggs, and dairy.

First, lets cover the main question: What is “organic”?

To get the USDA organic seal, foods need to have been grown, handled and processed by certified organic facilities. These facilities must be wholly organic. Meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products need to be produced from animals that have never been given antibiotics or hormones and who have been fed organic crop. Organic crops must be grown free of conventional pesticides, free of fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, and without bioengineering or use of ionizing radiation. The USDA is careful to note than an organic seal does not mean that a food is healthier or safer than its conventionally grown equivalent.

Unfortunately there is not enough evidence to support either side of this debate. Though is stands to reason that, from a logical standpoint, we would want to put as little poisonous chemicals in our bodies as possible (because that is exactly what pesticides are).

There have been a number of reports put out by various agencies, including our own government, stating that there is no conclusive proof that the pesticides used on crops has a negative effect on our health. This is does not change the fact that these same chemicals we use to rid our crops of insects have labeling all over the containers warning us of their poisonous nature.

Recently the Environmental Working Group conducted a study to see which fruits and vegetables had the highest and lowest levels of pesticides. Here’s what they found:

“Dirty Dozen”
(In other words, try to buy these organic)

1. Celery
2. Peaches
3. Strawberries
4. Apples
5. Blueberries
6. Nectarines
7. Sweet Bell Pepper
8. Spinach
9. Kale/Collard Greens
10. Cherries
11. Potatoes
12. Grapes (Imported)

“Clean 15”
(Lowest in pesticides, probably don’t need to buy organic)

1. Onions
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn (Frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mango
6. Sweet Peas (Frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi Fruit
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Cantaloupe (Domestic)
12. Watermelon
13. Grapefruit
14. Sweet Potatoes
15. Honeydew Melon

At the end of the day, everyone has to make their own decision whether or not to buy organic based on the limited information we have on whether or not organic foods are worth it. It may be that the spirit of organic foods (which you can often tap into at a local farmer’s market or by nurturing your own garden)  — like good use of natural resources, minimal use of toxic compounds, sustainable farming and supporting local business — is more important than whether or not the food is actually grown organic.