The Zoomer Report: Organic Buying

If you like the idea of eating organic food, but hate the hefty price tag, here’s some important information. The Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization in the US, has a list showing you how to be a strategic shopper when buying organic fruits and vegetables.

The reason most consumers go for organics is to lower their exposure to pesticides. So the Environmental Working Group tested dozens of fruits and vegetables to determine which are the worst offenders. Some foods grown with conventional farming methods simply don’t absorb the pesticides. Fruits and vegetables in that pesticide low residue category include onions, mangoes, asparagus, broccoli and eggplant. On the other hand, foods that typically have high levels of pesticide residue include peaches, strawberries, sweet bell peppers, celery and lettuce.

If you are on a budget, those are the things you should be spending your organic
dollars on. For the complete list of 43 fruits and vegetables tested by the Environmental Working Group, click here.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/Raychel Deppe

About The Zoomer Report

Libby Znaimer, a prominent Canadian journalist specializing in business, politics, and lifestyle issues, is producer and host of The Zoomer Report, a special feature on topics of interest to baby boomers and the 50+. It covers everything from health and wealth to leisure and volunteerism, from the special vantage point of the generation that has changed society in its wake.

Ms. Znaimer is also Vice-President of News and Information for Classical 96.3FM and AM740. Her first book, “In Cancerland – Living Well Is The Best Revenge” – was published in October 2007 by Key Porter.

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