Local with Pesticides vs Imported and Organic

The Environmental Working Group, a Washington DC non-profit organization (www.ewg.org) recently published some compelling reasons for choosing organic produce. They examined a wide range of fruits and vegetables for pesticide residue and here is a snapshot of their findings:

The list of the items with the HIGHEST amount of pesticide residue includes peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach and potatoes. So …. that spinach salad you choose for “health” reasons may not be the best idea.

Conversely, the items LOWEST in pesticide residue (but not without entirely) included: onions, avocado, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mango, frozen green peas, asparagus, kiwi, bananas, broccoli and eggplant.

Personally speaking, there is always a strong case for eating organic produce, period. However, when I consider society’s increasing focus and desire to eat “local” this latest report adds yet another variable to the purchase decision. Local and pesticide-laden or Imported and organic? For me, local and organic produce is a no-brainer but alas, the selection is limited in the winter months here in the Pacific Northwet (stet.)

Even better … get rid of your lawn, build raised beds and grow your own. You will know they are pesticide free, the nutritional value will be higher and believe me, the taste of freshly picked produce cannot be compared with shop bought. Plus … no more lawn mowing, reduced water bills (for lawns are thirsty) and a reduced carbon footprint for you will be driving less.

I don’t miss our lawn and continue to harvest broccoli, cauliflower, russian kale, Italian parsley, chard and Mizuma even as the rain falls and temperatures dip into single figures.

Let me know your thoughts about this pesticide-related topic as it is one that has interested me for several years now.