Organic Produce: A Guide

When faced with the prospect of buying organically, many consumers find the price difference between conventional and organic products a bit shocking.  While it is true some organic produce will be grossly more expensive than their conventionally grown counterparts, you can still stay within your budget.  One of the keys to being a successful vegan (especially if you are on a budget) is to buy what is in season.  When you buy organic produce in season, the difference in price will not be as drastic because producers in the country are able to keep supply at a level that is near demand (for both commercial and retail purposes), bringing the cost lower.  Even still, some may find the price increase not feasible - which is understandable.

The list below will be helpful in identifying which kinds of produce you should always buy organically (if concerned with harmful pesticides), and those you can buy conventionally in a financial squeeze.  Of course, organic produce is better for your health, the environment, and the economy by reducing the impact and indirect social costs incurred when growing conventional produce.  Buying organic encourages farmers to grow their produce in a manner that protects the environment.  The more everyone buys organic, the more demand increases - further encouraging others farms to go organic and make a higher profit.  Most organic farmers have dealings with smaller distribution channels, cutting out most of the “middle man” costs of conventional produce, making the farmers’ organic crops more valuable.  Buying organically encourages sustainability and helps smaller farms thrive in an industry dominated by Big Agriculture and be more eco-friendly in their crop production.

“Dirty Dozen”
These produce items contain the MOST pesticides located in them, according to many studies by the USDA and EWG, in order - starting with the worst:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Pears
• Spinach

“Clean Fifteen”
These popular fruits and vegetables showed the lowest amounts of pesticides, from best to worst:

• Onions
• Avocado
• Pineapple
• Mangoes
• Asparagus
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Papaya
• Watermelon
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew melon

Additionally, I try to always buy the following in their organic form, to encourage organic practices in an industry dominated by Big Agriculture and their powerful Washington lobby:

• Wheat
• Corn
• Soy