The Dirty Dozen - Prioritizing Your Organic Budget
The Dirty Dozen is a list of 12 fruits and vegetables that were determined to be the most contaminated with pesticides. The research was done by the Environmental Working Group. Click here to learn about their methodology.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) annually releases a list known as the "Dirty Dozen," which outlines the twelve fruits and vegetables found to have the highest levels of pesticide residues. This list can be incredibly useful for shoppers looking to make informed decisions about their grocery purchases, especially if they are on a budget. Here's how it can help:
Prioritizing Organic Purchases: The Dirty Dozen list highlights which produce items tend to have the highest pesticide residues. Shoppers can prioritize buying organic versions of these items to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. While organic produce may be more expensive, focusing on these specific items can help shoppers allocate their budget more effectively.
Cost-Effective Shopping: While buying all organic produce might not be feasible for everyone due to budget constraints, the Dirty Dozen list allows shoppers to focus their organic purchases on the most contaminated items. By selectively choosing which fruits and vegetables to buy organic, shoppers can minimize their pesticide exposure without breaking the bank.
Choosing Conventional Alternatives: For items not on the Dirty Dozen list, shoppers may feel more comfortable purchasing conventional (non-organic) versions to save money. Since these items typically have lower levels of pesticide residues, shoppers can confidently opt for conventional options without sacrificing their health or the health of their family. The Environmental Working Group also creates an annual list of The Clean 15 to help consumers identify the conventional produce that has been identified to have the least pesticide residue.
Awareness of Health Risks: By regularly consulting the Dirty Dozen list, shoppers become more aware of which produce items are more likely to contain pesticide residues. This knowledge empowers them to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, ultimately contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture: By choosing organic produce, shoppers also support sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental health and minimize chemical inputs. While organic options may come with a slightly higher price tag, many consumers are willing to pay a premium to support farmers who prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Information is power. At Choices, all of our produce is 100% organically grown, but sometimes all organic produce may not fit your budget. The Dirty Dozen list serves as a valuable tool for shoppers looking to make intelligent decisions about their grocery purchases. By prioritizing organic options for the most contaminated items, selectively choosing conventional alternatives for others, and increasing awareness of health risks associated with pesticide residues, shoppers can effectively allocate their grocery budget while prioritizing their health and the environment.
Click here for 2024 lists - The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15.
Click here for information on the methodology the EWG uses when doing this research.
The Environmental Working Group does extensive work researching a variety of products, in addition to researching pesticides in produce. Check out their website by clicking here.