I love this time of year; the weather is warm, the farmer’s market is open and the produce is fresh.  However, just because there are more local veggies to choose from when shopping does not mean they are all “created equal”.  Luckily, the EWG recently released their 2013 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which helps us determine which produce have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic.

While it’s best to buy organic as much as possible, the option is not always available (or affordable).  This guide also helps us save money by telling us which produce has the lowest levels of pesticide residue so we can rest easy.  Avocados are expensive enough; buying  them organic might physically hurt me.

Click here to download the guide (there are multiple smartphone apps).  You can also get the EWG’s full list in order of toxic load.

The Environmental Working Guide also answers questions like

• Why should I be concerned with pesticides?
• What if I peel my fruits and vegetables?
• Do pesticides pose special risks to growing children?

and many, many more.  The EWG is an amazing organization and resource – and an industry and government watchdog.  Learn more about them here.

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