Organic? or no?

"Organic" is such a joke. The standards for what is deemed organic is laughable. The fact that a company can deem their chicken as "free range" simply because they had a tiny box out in the sun to scratch around in for a few minutes a day goes to show what the government standards for labeling things are.

I don't see what organic produce standards have to do with "free range" chicken standards. If you live in the US you can find the standards online. The produce standards are actually fairly reasonable--although I agree, the poultry standards are sadly lacking.

I tend to use things like the "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" to help guide my decisions. As others have mentioned, apples, berries, and leafy greens tend to have a lot of pesticide residue, even after washing, so I almost always buy those organic. On the other hand, melon tends to have low pesticide residue, so I decide whether to buy those organic or conventional based on price and availability. I also buy organic soy products, as GMOs cannot be labeled organic, and I have issues with eating something genetically engineered to be bathed in Roundup throughout its life.

Edited to add: I tend to pay close attention to things food scientists say in interviews they do not eat or feed to their families. I figure if people who spend their lives studying these things don't feel comfortable eating conventional apples, or giving their children non-organic milk, this tells me something. I don't think organic foods are "more nutritious," but I do have concerns about accumulated toxins in my body, as well as in the environment.

"Truth is the more people buy Organic the cheaper it will become over time."

Wat?

Mellisant- I am working on my second degree in food science and I eat conventional apples and drink non-organic milk every day and I am in great health. While there is still a great deal of research to be done on the subject of both organic and GMO foods, it is known that the body has robust mechanisms for handling toxins. It's the dose that makes the poison. Regardless of organic status, eating a variety and large number of fruits and vegetables is far better than limiting then number you eat. If you are interested in knowing more, I would recommend reading the March 2012 issue of Food Technology, it has a great review article on organic foods. In the end some of it comes down to personal preference, especially in terms of flavor or feelings about supporting local farmers.

I think you are confusing organic with whole foods. whole foods are not necessarily organic, nor are organic foods necessarily whole. IMO I honestly find no great benefit to going organic. Organic refers to the environment in which the product is grown, unless you are paranoid of pesticides (which I'm not) there is no medical benefit to organic foods. Whole foods yes, organic foods completely optional.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/opinion/carroll-organic-food/index.html
There have been many studies done showing there is no better nutritional value derived from organic foods than whole food. There is no magical benefit. If you choose to spend more money on a product based purely on the environment it was grown be my guest, I prefer my food to be cheap and free if illness and bugs, and guess what *shocker* same nutritional value.

ok yeah, that makes sense too...
no bugs and illnesses but... does that mean I'll get sick and won't be able to fight it off as easily too?

If that were logical then I would say do you also not use tooth paste to brush your teeth, soap to wash your body, cleanser for your face in fear that you are weakening your immune system? No.

I only buy organic of the fruits and veg that has a thin layer, like tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, apples, peaches, grapes. If you eat non organic of these foods you will end up consuming the chemicals too, which on a long term could end up getting you sick, but at this point it hasnt been officially proven, but my body doesnt need chemicals so thats why i do it.

Bananas, avocados, watermelon, i dont mind buying regular of, because its not affected as much by the pesticides they use.

But you dont need to go organic to be on a health kick:)