So, remember when I challenged myself to post every day in March, aka March Madness?
And then I only made it to the the 18th. Yeah, I’m disappointed in myself too.
So, I was feeling the need for some re-inspiration and had this thought of blogging through the letters of the alphabet. I’m sure I’d seen that somewhere before and figured I could try it out. I wasn’t sure I’d stick with it for 26 days in a row so I thought I might do it over two months.
But then, last night on Twitter, I saw this:
#Bloggers , you can Still sign up for the #atozchallenge ! http://t.co/wylFJP1Ne0 via @damyantig
— Karen Pokras (@karentoz) March 31, 2013
I felt like it was a sign, an affirmation that yes, I needed to challenge myself again this month.
So I signed up here along with 1,747 others, and now there are 1,968 Bloggers participating.
Fingers crossed I at least make it to the 18th, which will be brought to you by the letter P.
And the number 18. Duh.
Let’s get on with it, shall we?
A is for {Dirty} Apples
Organic. It’s all the rage. And it’s a good rage, but an expensive one.
I am not a crazy conspiracy theorist but I do think it’s hard to deny what seems to be a connection between our current state of health and the way the foods we eat are raised and grown.
And if all of that is wrong, and eating “just a little bit” of pesticides on every fruit and veggie over the course of your life is totally fine, then that’s great. But I’d rather err on the side of caution.
But I can’t afford it.
So I am very thankful that the hardworking people at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) did the research and came up with a shopping guide detailing the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen.
The Dirty Dozen is a list of the 12 dirtiest fruits and veggies which you should buy organic if at all possible, ranked in order, with #1 being super “dirty”… the apple.
The full list actually contains 49 items so you can see where something falls on the list from dirtiest to cleanest and decide for yourself how you want to buy. I’m all about being an informed consumer and making educated decisions, or taking educated risks, so I love this info.
They even have a FREE app for both iPhone and Android! I often use it for quick reference when I’m in the produce section since I can never remember anything except the fact that apples are dir-tay!
Here are the Dirty Dozen as seen from my iPhone app:
And the Clean 15… well, the clean 12 since that’s all that would fit on my screen, #1 being the cleanest:
Ahh, so it’s tears of joy I cry when cutting an onion?
Since my wallet won’t allow all organic all the time, I focus my organic money on the 12 dirtiest items and rest a little easier knowing that I have at least lessened my exposure to potentially harmful substances.
It’s not perfect, but I can live with it.
Are there things you will only buy organic? Comment below and tell me what it is! I haven’t even touched on dairy, body products, or GMOs – oh my!
We try to buy as much organic as possible, depending on the cost difference. With bananas and carrots, it’s always organic. Apples often, and after reading this it’s going to be always! Since the hubby works for Trader Joe’s we get 10% off which helps.
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Looks like carrots are #21 and bananas are #27, not too dirty but not too clean either, if I ate them regularly I’d go organic. I am so jealous you have a man on the inside at Trader Joe’s, haha!
We eat as much organic as we can but I agree that it is really expensive. I do get organic apples whenever I can. Thanks for posting this.
Sarah recently posted..A is for Adventure
Sooo expensive! I was glad they put out the buyer’s guide so now I know what’s worth it and what’s not. And if I can help others know as well then that’s great 🙂
I didn’t know apples were the absolute dirtiest! This will probably change the way I shop. Thanks!
“Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.” LOL! It definitely helped me prioritize the way I shop for organic produce vs. conventional!
I didn’t know about this list but I’m excited to get the app. All we have is a wal-mart here so getting organic is very hit or miss. I’m looking forward to warmer weather and the farmers market opening. As it stand we try to buy organic on things we don’t peel, like strawberries, blueberries, and always apples. Things like bananas and oranges i just buy whats one sale. I wish the budget allowed for more organics, although now that the last kiddo is out of diapers, maybe it will 🙂
Carey recently posted..A is for About
Hi Carey, thanks for stopping by, glad I could share something new with you! Your rule of thumb about buying organic on the things you don’t peel is smart, EWG does their testing after washing/peeling, so they test it the way you’d be eating it, and a bunch of those no-peel fruits still tested high for pesticide residue after washing. I’m SO excited for farmer’s market season to get going, I love it!
I hope i make it through this challenge also!
Can’t believe this about apples- I’ll be second guessing them from now on!
(Stopping by from the A to Z Challenge)
Kate recently posted..Birthday blues
Thanks for stopping by Kate! Who knew there was so much to consider when buying an apple, right?! Crazy! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Sarah! I love the idea of a phone app. I don’t know why I can never remember that list. We really struggle with what we can afford and what we want to buy organic. We just recently started buying Organic milk also. It is amazing it really even taste different, so it is easy to believe it is better for you.
My pleasure Brenna, I’m glad you found it helpful; definitely download the free app if you can, it’s so handy! Yes, dairy is something I try to buy organic as well. I’m really interested in raw milk too, and luckily here in Oregon it’s available (with restrictions) but I’m still researching where to get it. Interesting stuff! Maybe you need a cow to keep your chickens company 😉
I really need to download that app. WHenever I’m at the store buying fruits and veggies, I just always wonder which ones I should get organic.
Katie Clark recently posted..Easy Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas
Hi Katie! That was exactly my problem so I used to carry the info in my purse on a post-it note but it quickly got lost in the black hole that is my purse, haha, so I’m very thankful for the handy app, and it’s FREE!
I don’t buy any organic. That might get me kicked out of the blogosphere for not being cool and organic and green. But I just don’t see the need. Even if it was the same price, I’d probably just buy the regular and leave the organic for those who are all about it.
Haha, I won’t kick you out! I’m the play it safe type but I get it, it’s not a big issue to everyone, and I know some who think it’s all a marketing scam anyways.
Hi Sarah,
Good to be here,
i just read few of your post
well written pieces, especially the one you said about a to z checking back your neighbors blogs,
good, pl don’t just restrict there go on and check others too LOL
keep blogging
Good Wishes
Keep in touch
I am
Phil @ Philipscom
An ambassador to A to Z Challenge @ Tina’s Life is Good
And My Bio-blog
Philip V Ariel recently posted..V Is For Very Important: Very Important Or Vital Things To Note Today: -The Scriptural Superlatives