The term organic is synonymous with dollar signs for most people. Many people are reluctant to purchase basic fruits, vegetables, & lean proteins due to cost considerations, especially compared to more easily affordable (but calorically empty!) processed foods.
So, if that is the case, why or how could the average consumer afford to spend even more money on foods deemed organic? To answer that question, first we should dive into the term organic. What does it really mean and how does a product qualify for such a label?
What is Organic Farming?
Organic products refer to farming and processing practices that are in compliance with federal guidelines. Organic processes differ worldwide but are fairly consistent within the United States. These guidelines dictate what is permissible in the soil, how the animals are raised, what additives may or may not be used and how to pests/weeds are handled.
The expectation is that organic farmers will use less chemicals and more natural products when reducing pestilence and disease when possible. Also, when raising animals, the expectation is that the animal should be free to live in an environment that encourages natural behaviors. The animal must also be fed organic feed. They cannot be administered any hormones to encourage faster development or antibiotics to ward off disease.
Why?
These hormones and antibiotics remain in the animal’s tissue and are passed onto our bodies and into our guts when we eat the burger, steak or chicken breast. A buildup of those items in our system is considered to be a contributing factor in our antibiotic resistance and the earlier pubescent development in our children. Also, organically produced foods are prohibited from containing artificial dyes, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, and neurotoxic petrochemicals.
The official definition:
Formally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses the terms “organic” & “certified organic” to identify agricultural products that adhere to certain production standards. Those include “cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.”
What does that mean??
Organic agricultural products are allowed to grow with less man-made interference and have not been exposed to synthetic or toxic derivatives. However, the farming costs associated with complying with governmental organic regulations are high. This leads to the well-documented financial impact to consumers.
You might be interested to know that your local farmers, while perhaps not sporting a formal organic designation from the government, might already be practicing organic farming. The cost to participate can be prohibitive, but the farmers might still value the concept (and results!) of organic farming. Get to know your local farmers & ask them about their processes. You might develop a great relationship with folks who can provide you safe quality products at a great price.
What If I Don’t Live Near a Farm?
It would be nearly impossible to follow a strict organic diet on a very tight food budget. Foods with organic labels are often higher in price in American grocery stores. But slowly incorporating specific organic foods into your diet could help you reap the benefits of organic farming, while not breaking the bank.
Buyer – Beware!
However, just because a food is labeled “organic” doesn’t mean it is healthy for you. Understanding that the term organic isn’t synonymous with nutritious will help you with your purchasing decisions. A packaged snack food labeled organic may contain ingredients that were farmed responsibly, but it might also contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt & fat. So, always be sure to focus your diet around eating whole foods and avoiding processed foods. No matter what the label on that snack cake says.
Where to Start Your Organic Journey:
There are certain foods that should be consumed as organically as possible. Why? Because residual pesticides in conventional farming are found in very high quantities in certain foods. Those pesticides make their way into your system when you consume the food.
The Environmental Working Group documents the Dirty Dozen every year, identifying those fresh produce items that have been found to be highly contaminated with pesticide residues. Consumption of pesticides over time can be linked to many diseases, including fatal cancers. Avoid them when you can!
The Dirty Dozen for 2021 are:
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- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Spinach
- Peaches
- Kale, collard, & mustard greens
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Bell and hot peppers
- Apples
- Celery
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
Conversely, the Environmental Working Group has identified 15 other produce items that are safer to eat conventionally, due in part to their thicker, less penetrable skins.
The Clean 15 for 2021 are:
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Sweet corn
- Cabbage
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Onions
- Cauliflower
- Papaya
- Mushrooms
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Eggplant
- Honeydew melon
- Asparagus
- Cantaloupes
How Do I Handle Organic vs. Non-Organic Choices?
For my household, we strive to purchase organically from the Dirty Dozen, but that’s not always possible. If the organic stuff looks bad or is too pricy, we’ll avoid it. Sometimes, when I really need a certain item for a recipe, but conventional is my only option, I’ll purchase that. But I try to steer clear of purchasing the non-organic dirty dozen as much as I can.
The Clean 15 I worry less about. If the organic produce looks great and the price fits within my budget, I’ll get that. But I feel comfortable buying conventionally grown items from the Clean 15 at this time.
As far as meats, I try to consistently avoid conventionally farmed meats, favoring organic, free range, humanely raised, no hormone added options. When I have the choice, I always choose the good stuff when it works with my budget. When it doesn’t fit the budget, we do without. For those times, there are plentiful non-meat sources of protein to fall back on that work with our food budget. When I don’t have a choice based on selection, then I must decide – do I really need to make this dish now or can it wait?
As far as packaged organic snack foods – I don’t buy much of that stuff normally, so the organic label is not relevant for me. I try hard to avoid junk food in our routine, and purchasing processed snack items, just because it says organic, doesn’t align with our goals.
How Will You Handle the Choice?
We all have a choice every single time we lift an item off the grocery shelf. The question you must ask yourself is how does this item contribute to my goal of healthier & happier living for me and my family this year? Then make your choice.
Good luck!
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