Organic vs. Non-Organic

1LRoy

Okay, I know this is a hotly debated issued among some people. There are people who feel that organic is ALWAYS the way to go because of all the chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, etc. we use in producing our food. There are others who think organic is a waste of money. And then there are those in-between that believe that it's worth it for some things like strawberries and tomatos that are too delicate to scrub when you wash them, but not for things like apples, oranges, etc.

I started shopping at Whole Foods back in March after I got divorced. I really like Whole Foods. I feel good about the food I buy there, I feel like I have a lot more healthy choices, and I'm less tempted to buy crap because they don't stock nearly as much of the "bad stuff" as your standard grocery store. The atmosphere also makes me want to try new things, healthy things, etc. simply because of the availability of these products (many of which I had never seen before) and just that overall ambiance that says, "Treat yourself well. Feed yourself well. You deserve it."

Here's my quandry: I'm so poor right now and shopping organic (no matter where you get it) is SO expensive! Do I go back to a tradititional grocery store to save the money? Or do I continue shopping organic, accept being poor, and console myself with the idea that at least I'm healthy?

What would you do?

Monny287

You might also try farm stands or farmer's markets for your produce. They'd be fresher than the grocery store, cheaper than organic, and it's highly unlikely they'd use the same amount or type of pesticides commercial farmers would if they used any at all.

EDIT: You could also look into a co-op in your area. We have one in my area that is great for everything but meat and bread (which is wicked expensive!), but they pride themselves on stocking locally grown produce when possible and being organic, free-range, etc. I'm not an organic person for many reasons, but I do believe that the less your food travels, the healthier it is for you.

bethfartman

I pick and choose what I buy as organically grown and what I do not. I live in a big farming town and while buying at local farm stands is nice (and good for the environment since there's no shipping and minimal packaging, if you're into that) and I choose to do so often, they typically use the same kinds of pesticides as commercial farmers. In fact, many are commercial farmers on some level- selling to local markets and the like.
This is a good list I use to choose what to spend the extra money on, I’ve seen it on other sites and it’s always pretty much the same-

http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/dirty-dozen-foods#fbIndex1

Buying what’s in season helps too, sometimes the organic option is even on sale cheaper than the nonorganic option. I often buy cherries and various other fruits for ridiculously reduced costs. It probably depends on where you live, too. I live in southern California, so my advice would likely be relative to a similar area.

taylor5877

I've got a PhD in toxicology (said so you know what angle I'm coming from, not to boast). I'd just eat the non-organic foods if they fit your budget and not fret over organic vs. non-organic.

Eating healthy whole foods (organic or non) vs. lots of processed stuff is what matters the most.

celebrity328

I know certain foods have more chemicals on them etc. In my exp cucumbers have this wax feeling crap on them and it tastes nasty! Kale also has the same filmy stuff on it and cant be washed off

Someone I know who is very into organics told me that if the veggies are grown on the ground they get sprayed more. I dont know if thats true or not but it seems to be the case with alot of the veggies I eat !