Are you Organic?

make sure you read the labels close, not just the part that says organic. The regulation as to what can be called organic is very loose to say the least.

I buy organic vegetables when I can, but it's not always in the budget. I use the dirty dozen and the clean 15 to help me choose what's more important to buy organically:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/health/the-dirty-dozen-and-clean-15-of-produce/616/

If I can get produce that's local, but not necessarily organic, I'll always go for that.

I don't think you'll notice a difference in how the foods make you feel or anything, but you may notice a difference in taste and size. For example, real organic local strawberries are small, deep red and sooooooo delicious. Strawberries from California that I can buy at the grocery store are HUGE, varying shades of red, with white hulls and little to no actual flavour.

I buy almost everything organic. including grass fed meat and free range eggs. Now that summer is coming up we are hitting the farmer's market for everything. I spent less there than i would at the super market, not to mention i know it goes to our local farmers. What I can't find there i'll get at whole foods or sometimes hyvee. I love whole foods not just for their selection, but their staff. They are all very friendly and helpful.

I just feel better all around since going organic, and the 15 pounds i've dropped doing it doesn't hurt. although i'm not sure if that is the organic food or my diet change in general.

I also love the learning opportunity it creates for my kids. We always talk about what farm things came from. We get to talk to the people that raise it. I can't say enough good things. And honestly i don't feel that much of a tug on my purse strings. if you stick to the basics, no processed stuff....it can sometimes be cheaper.

I also only buy organic vegetables and fruits that are on the "Dirty Dozen" list. These fruits and vegetables are more likely to absorb pesticides than others (things like peaches, spinach, bell peppers). Other veg like onions or avocados just isn't worth the price as the absorption of pesticides is minimal.

I don't really buy into the claim that people feel better after eating organic produce. I doubt the pesticides were making one feel sluggish. I could believe someone feels better by switching to organic boxed and convenience foods, since organic ones don't use artificial ingredients (e.g. there is no such thing as organic Polysorbate 80 or organic Red dye number 40).

If I ever make enough to shop at Whole Paycheck for normal groceries, I'm sure I just might. Probably won't ever happen though, and I'm okay with that.

If there is an organic option then I always buy it.

Although not 100% pesticide free Organic vegetable growers do use fewer pesticides and the use of them is better regulated, this can only be better for us and the environment in the long run.

I struggle to find Organic meat, you can usually get Organic chicken breasts but very little else. I like the idea of Organic meat as the conditions that the animals are raised in are so much better than non-Organic. Although I eat meat now I used to be Vegan because I felt so strongly about animal welfare.

I have bills to pay, unfortunately.

I think organic for the most part is a bunch of crap. There was an episode on dateline the other night about it. I plan to raise most of my vegetables this year though.

It's also really bad for the topsoil. Plus, a lot of farmers now have switched to what they call the soft approach to pest control. They feed the plants better, so they're better able to protect themselves from pests, and they use non-chemical forms of pest control to control the remaining pests.

I shop from local small farmers as often as I can, even if it isn't organic. For other foods, including meats and fish, I shop at Trader Joe's. Even the nearby big chain grocery store, Publix, carries organic, some of which are under their own label. I wash fruits and vegetables, and salad greens no matter where I get them.

I eat as much organic food as possible! It really is expensive, but not always! Trader Joes and Whole Foods have a ton of organic and natural foods for really cheap; both have their own brand which is going to be cheaper than others. Also, when it gets nicer out, visit your local farms for produce!

I think organic for the most part is a bunch of crap.

Not true at all. Who sponsored the show? Monsanto?

Just an example: http://www.wellnesschronicles.com/image-files/organic_vs_commercial_farming.jpg

If people are OK with feeding themselves and their children with chemicals, that's their choice. I understand that some people have financial issues, but I don't get people who could afford to buy organic and they don't.

My food is mostly organic. I always eat organic veggies, fruit, free range meat (I don't need extra antibiotics) and eggs when I'm at home. When I go out, I sometimes don't have a choice. Rarely, but it happens.

Oh, I didn't really answer your question! No, I can't say I can taste the difference between organic and conventional produce. I don't feel any healthier and, alas, my skin hasn't suddenly taken on a rosy glow since switching to organic. But I know my body is silently thanking me.

I can say this: If something I want isn't available organic, and I end up buying conventional, I feel a little sick inside. I think of all the herbicides and pesticides still lurking on and sometimes IN the food. I think of how sick the soil must be where it grew, and how sick the farm workers who picked it will be one day. I think of the polluted water and air, and worry about GMOs and the safety of our food supply in the future. It's easier on my psyche to just stick with organics, especially the "dirty dozen. "http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/dirty-dozen-foods#fbIndex1

I loved reading Michael Pollan's book "The Omnivore's Dilemma" and highly recommend it to anyone considering going organic. The kid's version of this book (about 8th grade level) reads very quickly and is entertaining.

I just wish organic stuff was not so expensive.

I also only buy organic vegetables and fruits that are on the "Dirty Dozen" list. These fruits and vegetables are more likely to absorb pesticides than others (things like peaches, spinach, bell peppers). Other veg like onions or avocados just isn't worth the price as the absorption of pesticides is minimal.

This is the first I've heard of this list, thanks for the info, definitely worth consideration.