Organic Food........Every Day for Life!
Most people that I talk to about organic foodalways say that they would love to try it, but it's much too expensive and not very convenient.
It is true that organic food is generally more expensive then conventional foods, and depending on where you live can be harder to find, but there are many ways to make it affordable and accessible for everyone. Plus, in the long run you'll save money on medical bills for eating healthy.
Here's a great way to earn extra income at home so you can afford to buy organic food! Who knows, you may even be able to quit your day job and earn a full-time income for part-time work!
<h3 >Why Organic?
Number one, no pesticides means healthier soil, water, and wildlife, so it's better for the environment. Number two, organic food farmers can earn a fairer price compared to factory farming. Number three, organic farmers grow a wider variety of non-genetically modified fruits and vegetables, whereas factory farming has lessened our choices in the grocery stores to one or two produce varieties.
Finally, consuming organic food is simply healthier for you. Did you know that the USDA's own tests show that that most non-organic produce contains traces of pesticides even after washing?
<h3 >What if I Can't Afford It?Okay........so it is more expensive to buy organic produce, and if you're on a tight budget this can be difficult. Sometimes, it may simply not be available in your area.
To help you make better choices here is a list of produce with the highest levels of pesticide contamination. These findings are based on a studies done by the USDA, Consumer Reports and Environmental Working Group These are the ones that you should try to steer clear of if you can't afford to buy all organic.
1. Nectarines 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
2. Celery 94.5% of celery sampled were found to contain pesticides.
3. Pears 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
4. Peaches 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
5. Apples 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
6. Cherries 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
7. Strawberries 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
8. Imported Grapes 86% of imported grapes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
9. Spinach 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
10. Potatoes 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
11. Bell Peppers 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
12. Red Raspberries 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides
If you really want any of these types of produce, be sure to buy them organic....or if you really want to save money, try growing them organically yourself! You can find tips on gardening on our Organic Gardeningpage.
<h3 >So What Would Be Okay to Buy Conventional?Although it would be great if we could buy all organic produce, sometimes it's just not feasible. If you have to buy some non-organic produce, here is a list of fruits & vegetables that were found to contain the least amounts of pesticides. Notice how they all have thick, inedible skins to protect the fruit.
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Corn (Note, however, that almost all corn is genetically modified - try to steer clear)
- Kiwi
- Mangoes
- Onions
- Papaya
- Pineapples
- Sweet Peas
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<h3 >More Organic Food Money Saving TipsHere are some additional ways that you can save money:
1. Use coupons There are lots of coupons available for organic products. Sign up for e-coupons at Mambo Sprouts or many organic companies offer e-coupons on their websites. Look for your favorite items and see if they offer coupons.
2. Join your local co-op Yearly memberships are usually pretty minimal, and savings can be substantial.
3. Buy on sale - If something is on sale, buy a lot of it or buy it by the case. Some co-ops give discounts if you buy by the case, so youre getting a double discount, even more economical if youre a member.
4. Buy your dried goods in bulk - Oatmeal, beans, cereals, fruits, nuts and grains are all less expensive when you buy them in bulk.
5. Buy in season Buying in season ensures that there is plenty of product available, thus higher supply = lower prices.
6. Always know what you want That way you wont buy anything that isnt necessary. Make a list and follow it.
7. Keep track of your purchases Set a budget, bring a calculator and if you go over the budget figure out whats a splurge and put it back.
8. Avoid processed foods Yes, even organic can be processed. Processing costs more, so try to keep it to a minimum. Make your own bread dough and freeze it. Freeze your own veggies and squeeze your own juice.
9. Evaluate your spending Take a look at other purchases youre making and ask yourself if theyre absolutely necessary. Whatever you can eliminate can be used towards healthy, organic food!
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