Oh Wednesday, how I love that you are so close to Friday!
Do you ever think about what you are good at? I know we can all focus on the negative things about ourselves, but for today, let’s be really positive.
Some things I’m good at:
- looking at the glass half full
- baking muffins
- running
- texting
- cleaning the bathroom
- checking twitter
and most importantly…food shopping.
I didn’t always have the skills I have now at the food store, but over the years, I have gotten pretty good at it. I can budget (when I really want to), get in and out in 30 minutes or less and avoid that dreaded HFCS.
With all the options at the food store, I try to make conscious decisions all of the time. I buy all organic dairy, milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese and meat. I choose dairy that is made without pesticides and chemicals, from animals that aren’t treated with growth hormones or antibiotics.
But produce, how do I decide what should be bought organic and what isn’t really worth it? I typically follow the dirty dozen and clean 15 list as a general rule.
(source)
Anything where the price for organic isn’t much more than conventional, I’ll buy organic, like for carrots, lettuce, etc. Also I buy conventional bananas because they have a think peel.
Buying organic for the dirty dozen is better for your because you won’t be ingesting harmful pesticides, but it also helps the environment. I really do feel like buying mostly organic produce makes me feel better and keeps me healthier.
Ten Good Reasons to Buy Organic
from Nutiva.com (source)
1. Organic products meet stringent standards.
2. Organic food tastes great!
3. Organic production reduces health risks.
4. Organic farms respect our water sources.
5. Organic farmers build soil.
6. Organic farmers work in harmony with nature.
7. Organic producers are leaders in innovative research.
8. Organic producers strive to preserve diversity.
9. Organic farming helps keep rural communities healthy.
10. Organic abundance – Foods and non-foods alike!
What does your shopping cart say about your vote? What produce do you buy organic?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
One of the reasons I can’t wait to get a full-time, full-paying job is so that I have enough money to buy more organic foods. I don’t buy meat that often, but I do buy a lot of fruits and veggies. I honestly buy organic only when I can afford it. I know that sounds horrible and it might gross people out, but that’s the truth. I wish it wasn’t so expensive! But like you said, if the price between organic and conventional are similar, I’ll bite the bullet and pay an extra 70 cents
I try and buy organic as much as possible, esp for the important stuff. Some things (that I know it isn’t crucial to buy organic) i’ll buy from someplace local (i’ve heard that it’s very expensive to get the organic stamp so some places are organic but are small farms)
I buy organic when I can, and only if it looks good. Sometimes it’s simply not worth it. Other times, I prefer it.
I buy organic when I can afford to. I find that buying local is a good way to buy organic from farmers who can’t afford to be certified. Don’t tell!
I buy what I can when I can. We are a family of 4 on one income, so we have to eat either way. I make an effort to pay attention to it though so I know we eat organic about 1/2 to 3/4s of the time.
The dirty dozen is definitely a good list. I try to buy organic when I can but I don’t sweat it if I forget. Also I am good with texting too haha
I wish I could say I make a conscious effort to eat all organic…but I don’t! There is SUCH a price difference that I just can’t justify right now. The only thing that comes to mind that I buy organic is salad greens. Come summertime I do buy more local produce, which isn’t necessarily organic, but at least makes me feel a little better :]
Oooh! What a great list! I like the balance that strikes between organic and regular produce!
I try to buy mostly organic, especially the fruits & veggies my kids eat the most of like bananas, apples and carrots. I also try to buy whatever organic produce is on sale that week or buy what is in season at our farmers market. When there is a big price difference between conventional and organic I only buy it if I really need it for a certain recipe and usually opt for what is in season since it’s usually cheaper.
We usually always do the dirty dozen as organic but others I usually have to save the money. And I love that you put checking Twitter as one of the things you’re good at. LOL
I have gone by the dirty dozen for years now. I try to buy as much organic as possible. It was easier when we lived in California because there was such a great selection. We are Blessed to have enough land to have a large garden so we have plenty of organic vegetables to eat in the Summer and enough to put up for the Winter!