When and Why to Buy Organic Food

Published Jun 16, 2011, Updated Dec 19, 2020

This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

If you’ve been following Eating Bird Food for any amount of time you’ll know that I’m a huge proponent of clean eating, which for me means focusing on whole, real foods. It also means choosing organic options whenever possible because I know they are better for my health and the health of our environment. I often get asked about my stance on this so I want to share a little insight into what organic means along with a list called the Dirty Dozen, which can be a helpful resource for those of us who may not be able to buy 100% organic all the time.

What does organic even mean? Simply put, organic food is farmed using a specific set of standards. The standards vary worldwide but in general organic farming strives to be sustainable and maintain ecological balance. Certain pesticides and fertilizers are restricted with organic farming.

What is so bad about pesticides? There are many reasons pesticides aren’t good for the environment, but in our bodies they’ve shown to cause cancer, as well as, liver, kidney, and blood diseases. They can also weaken our immune system by lodging and accumulating in tissues, allowing carcinogens (cancer causing substances) and pathogens (germs) to filter into the body. Not a pretty picture!

I try to buy organic items when I can, especially when I’m buying items that are known to have more pesticide exposure — for example, the Dirty Dozen. The Dirty Dozen is a list the Environmental Working Group (EWG) comes out with each year that is the most pesticide contaminated fruits and vegetables. Each time I buy organic over conventional I know I’m voting with my dollar and I know I’m supporting the organic farmers out there who are trying to make a difference. Plus, organic produce really does taste better. Bananas aren’t on the dirty dozen list but I can definitely tell the difference taste wise between organic and non-organic bananas, plus bananas are cheap so I always buy organic.

Buying organic all of the time isn’t feasible for everyone and I realize this, but this guide can help you make the best choices for you and your family – even if you can’t buy entirely organic foods. Remember that you should eat your fruits and veggies no matter what because the nutritional benefits of eating produce outweigh the risk of pesticide exposure, but it’s best to try to reduce your exposure to pesticides whenever possible.

Use these lists as a guide. When your budget and grocery store allows, try to buy organic produce for those listed on the Dirty Dozen list. The Clean 15 list are items you can buy conventional with peace of mind that they are the least pesticide contaminated.

Dirty Dozen +: