The Dirty Dozen and The Clean Fifteen
If you have been following my journey, you know that my New Year’s goal in 2020 is to work toward eating more organic food and supporting local agriculture. If this has been on your mind, you know how it goes when you get to the store and start comparing prices, it can be a little more difficult as that reality sets it! Hmmmm, $2.99 per pound for chicken breasts or $4.99 per pound (or more) for organic chicken breasts. Suddenly what you just read about chicken, how they are treated and processed that made your stomach turn, those facts become a little muddled when the reality of the cost steps into the equation. But, the more I read and learn about industrial farming, its impact on our health system, our bodies, and our environment, has increased my emotional strength and desire to not purchase those items and support local agriculture.
These Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists are published yearly by EWG, the Environmental Working Group. They test conventionally grown fruits and vegetables to determine which has the highest and lowest amounts of pesticide residue. The Dirty Dozen has been determined to contain the most pesticide residue so definitely buy organic, and the Clean Fifteen being the lesser suspect, so if you find that you need to cut corners on purchasing organic, these would be the ones to skip if you have to.
I have found these lists to be a helpful reference when shopping. But - stopping to look them up each time is sometimes annoying! I have recreated these lists so they can be easily referred to while shopping. They are .jpg images and can be saved on your phone for easy access while you are shopping, perhaps add them to your favorites in your photos to locate them even faster. This could be helpful in your transition to healthier habits, making the choices clearer as you ease your way into these positive changes.
Here is a saying that recently caught my eye, another good one to remember while you are shopping. . .
Pay the farmer now,
or pay the doctor later
Another resource is to check for local farm stands or other local markets, depending on where you live these could be in abundance or very hard to find. I am fortunate to have this available close by, including an organic farm that now does year round greenhouse vegetables!
Maybe take a drive to the country this weekend 😀. Happy Shopping!