Tips for buying organic
Choosing organic foods not only supports environmentally friendly farming practices but also significantly reduces your exposure to harmful substances like pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This, in turn, can have a positive impact on your health. Here are some tips to help you make informed choices when buying organic:
Understand organic labeling: Look for certified organic products by reputable organizations such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or other local certification bodies. NOFA-NY Certified Organic is an amazing organization. Learn more here: https://nofany.org/certification/about/. Organic products must meet strict standards regarding the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMOs.
Check the labels: Look for the "USDA Organic" seal on packaged foods, which indicates that the product has been certified organic. For fresh produce, look for stickers with a five-digit PLU (Price Look-Up) code starting with a "9," which indicates that the item is organic. Similarly, an "8" as the first of a five-digit code indicates genetically modified produce.
Buy local: Support local farmers who use organic and regenerative farming practices by purchasing locally grown organic produce at farmers’ markets or through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. Locally grown organic foods have a smaller environmental footprint and are fresher than produce found in grocery stores that have been shipped from distant locations.
Prioritize organic for certain foods: Some foods are more likely to contain pesticide residues than others. Consider prioritizing organic options for foods commonly contaminated with pesticides, such as strawberries, spinach, apples, grapes, and bell peppers. These foods are often referred to as the "Dirty Dozen." Learn more here: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
Consider your budget: Organic foods can be more expensive than conventionally grown counterparts. To make organic shopping more affordable, prioritize your purchases by choosing organic versions of foods that you consume frequently or that are most likely to contain pesticide residues.
Be flexible: If organic options are limited or too expensive, consider buying conventional produce from the Environmental Working Group's "Clean Fifteen" list, which includes foods with lower pesticide residues, such as avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, and onions. Learn more here: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php
Grow your own: Consider growing your own organic produce at home, either in a garden or in containers. This allows you to have control over the growing process and ensures that your fruits and vegetables are free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
These tips can help you make informed choices when buying organic foods and support your health and environmentally sustainable farming practices.