The Dirty Dozen: A Guide To Pesticides

For the past year, we were blessed to live within 5 minutes of a Whole Foods Market, which meant easy access to fresh, certified organic produce. We loved it! That changed this month after moving to an area of Southern California that doesn't have a Whole Foods store nearby. We're now realizing what a challenge it can be to find organic produce. Truth be told, we now keep 2 coolers in our car and grocery shop on the days we're in LA or Orange County (near WF) because we're too spoiled to give it up. 

For those of you that don't have the luxury of a market filled with organic options, the Environmental Working Group has put out a fantastic chart to help educate the public about the worst pesticide offenders. "The dirty dozen" as they call it, are the produce that you absolutely MUST buy organic for the sake of your health. The top 15 on the list are the cleanest available conventionally grown fruits and vegetables that aren't "as bad" as long as they are washed thoroughly. Although, if you have concerns about genetically modified products, like we do, then you may want to commit to going organic across the board. 

via Environmental Working Group

If you aren't familiar with the Environmental Working Group, check out their site here. 
They also have a database on cosmetic safety that is not to be missed!

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