Sunday, August 16, 2009

the Dirty Dozen


By now most of you have probably heard about the Dirty Dozen--the list of the most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group, a non profit consumer protection organization, came up with a list of the top twelve vegetables with the most pesticide residue based on data from extensive testing by the USDA and FDA. When you really do your homework the findings get pretty grisly. Over 94% of all conventional peaches tested positive for 45 different pesticides, for instance. When you research the chemicals in common pesticides you find among them neurotoxins and endocrine disruptors and a host of nasties that ravage the immune system.

The Dirty Dozen:
12 Most Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables
  • Peaches
  • Apples
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
  • Celery
  • Nectarines
  • Strawberries
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Imported Grapes
  • Spinach
  • Lettuce
  • Potatoes
If at all possible, try to buy the produce on this list organic and preferably from your local farmers. They are listed in order of the most toxic. Efforts to avoid Poisons are not the only reason to buy organic. Organic foods do not contain GMOs, are easier on the earth and way more sustainable. It's not just good for you but good for your community and good for the planet, it's long term thinking.


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