All About Organic Food – and which foods are worth it
What is organic food, anyway?
The USDA defines organic food as food produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. They state that organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is also produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, and bio-engineering.
What kinds of food are worth buying organic?
We encourage eating more fruits and vegetables in general – organic or not. However, some types of produce are more susceptible to harboring pesticides, which can guide you on when to spend on organic.
The Environmental Working Group (EGW), a non-profit organization, has compiled a guide to pesticides in produce, which lists the 12 fruits and veggies found to contain the most pesticides. Based on the EWG’s guide, we recommend going organic for the 12 foods on their Dirty Dozen list, including
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Apples
Organic versions of your favorite produce items are available at your local Foodtown. Try our own organic produce like Green Way Organic Baby Spinach from our produce department or our frozen Green Way Organic Strawberries. Good for you. Good for the Earth.
How does eating organic actually help the environment?
Not using pesticides and chemical fertilizers prevents water contamination. Pesticides are often toxic to insect and animal species that are beneficial to the ecosystem, such as bees. Organic farming practices also protect against erosion and promote healthier soil that require fewer (natural) pesticides and promote biodiversity.
How can I get more organic produce in my diet while staying cost efficient?
- Stock up on frozen organic veggies – frozen veggies have no significant difference in nutrition
- Buy in bulk. Organic yogurt, milk, nuts, etc. are easy to find in bulk at Foodtown – look out for Green Way Organic Milk and more items at your local Foodtown.
- Keep your kitchen stocked with satisfying organic products like Green Way Creamy Peanut Butter and Green Way Organic Large Brown Eggs
Earth Day Celebration Meal: Charred Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Oranges
Commemorate Earth Day by using organic ingredients today! Use Green Way Chicken Thighs to keep your poultry free of hormones and antibiotics! Earthy olives elevate the succulent chicken. This hearty meal is a true celebration of the plant and animal kingdoms for Earth Day 2019.