We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us organic is better. But do we really have to buy all produce, meat, even mattresses and clothes bearing USDA 100% organic label, free of all synthetics, and purer than the driven snow? Sure, it might be better for us – and the environment – but going organic en masse can get pricey, fast.
So Jessica and I did some homework and we’ve put together our top 12 items to buy organic, natural and synthetic free, ALL OF THE TIME:
- Beef: We frequently hear about the risks of eating poorly raised chicken, but when it comes to beef, whether it’s the administered hormones and antibiotic, the way a cow is raised, and the diet it is being fed directly affect our planet and our bodies. So, no compromises here; buy organic grass fed and finished beef and beef products.
- Strawberries: Eating healthy vegetables only makes sense when they are not covered with pesticides. The large surface area and all those tiny bumps make it hard to wash the pesticides away. Make organic strawberries a part of your diet.
- Cookware: Nonstick surfaces might be easy to use, but only a few minutes of high-heat cooking is enough to emit toxic gases that are very bad for you. Switch to stainless steel, ceramic, or cast iron cookware for all of your cooking surfaces.
- Popcorn: There have been reports stating that the linings of microwave-popcorn bags contain a toxic chemical that is likely a carcinogen, and also has effects on the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. Try popping some popcorn on your stove- top. Heat a little canola oil on low to medium heat in a heavy bottomed pot, add a ½ cup of organic kernels once the oil is hot, cover, shake and enjoy!
- Yard Pesticides: Some lawn and garden pesticides are suspected carcinogens. Long-term exposure may be related to changes in the brain and nervous system. Try healthier brands like BurnOut and EcoClear instead, and accept that a little brown grass and a few extra weeds can be a beautiful thing.
- All-Purpose Home Cleaners: Ammonia and chlorine bleach can irritate skin, eyes and respiratory tract. And that’s not even the worst of it. Some contain phthalates that interfere with normal hormone activity. White wine vinegar works well in the kitchen, or if it’s pre-packaged products you crave, take a look at the Seventh Generation line of house cleaners.
- Water Bottles: By now you have probably already heard that reusable plastic water bottles may contain bisphenol A (BPA), another endocrine disruptor. Bottles for water are a hard to give up; make the switch to glass today.
- Food Containers: Like their water bottle cousins, containers also often contain BPA, which can leach out of the plastic and seep into your leftovers, particularly when the container comes in contact with hot food. Once again, move to glass for peace of mind.
- Dairy Products: Dairy products account for a reported 60 to 70 percent of the estrogen we consume through our food. Look for milk (and cheese) that’s labeled rBGH-free, rBST-free, or is produced without artificial hormones.
- Celery: Celery tops the chart as most contaminated vegetable out there, due in part to the sheer number of chemicals found in everyday non-organic celery, and because its porous makeup retains pesticides it is sprayed with. Choose organic here, always.
- Tomato Sauce: The lining inside of a tomato can, used to protect against corrosion and bacteria may contain BPA; what’s more, the acidic nature of tomatoes means that the BPA leaches into the fruit more easily. A 2009 Consumer Reports test of BPA in a variety of canned foods found it in nearly all of the brands! When buying tomatoes or tomato sauce, always choose a glass jar or box of tomatoes, organic or not!
- Mattresses: Some regular mattresses have been treated with toxic flame-retardants called PBDEs. These flame-retardants have been linked to learning, memory and behavioral impairments. When purchasing a mattress, choose all natural varieties. JC Penney and IKEA carry all natural mattresses, so it doesn’t need to be a painful expense to make this upgrade!
It’s a lot of information, we know. But, it’s our top 12 list and we wouldn’t want you to live without this information. If it feels overwhelming to you then do what we do: start small, make one little step, and celebrate that accomplishment before you move to the next one. And if all this just makes you frustrated, let us leave you on a positive note. Here are five surprising things you don’t have to buy organic: avocados, eggs, bananas, spices, and clothing.
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