Organic or Non-Organic - What's in your produce? Get the EWG App to help you decide, and live a healthier life.
How well do you know your produce?
Remember, looks can be deceiving.
Should you buy organic or is non-organic ok? Eating organic is always best but let's face it, sometimes it can get a bit pricey. However, in some cases I've noticed a down-trend in the organic pricing.
I recently found an awesome app created by the Environmental Working Group, it's a shopper's guide loaded with info about the pesticides our produce. The information in the guide is based on results of samples tested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The EWG updates this guide every year and this year strawberries are listed as number one on the Dirty Dozen list, which is why I always buy them organic.
Using this guide can help you determine which produce to absolutely buy organic and which ones are relatively safe to buy non-organic.
There's also a Food Scores app that is very helpful when making buying decisions. It scores the food on three major concerns most consumers have when making purchases, nutrition, ingredients and processing.
Another app that's becoming a favorite is the EWG's Healthy Living app, it allows consumers to scan or input product info and get info to help make healthier, sustainable product choices. I like this app because it's not just about food, it's about products we put on or in our bodies. My daughter loves using this app for her make-up and toiletries. Because of this app she switched deodorants.
Knowledge is power. Know what you're using. Protect your health and the health of your family.
If you decide to use any of these apps or if you are currently using them, let me know what you think.
Pamela Shank says
Thank you for the information. I had no idea about the strawberries. The ones you have here are just beautiful!
Celeste says
I didn't know about the strawberries myself until I came cross the ewg website. I'm glad you found this useful.
Kellie says
These apps should make it easier, thanks for letting me know.
Celeste says
Kellie I'm glad it's something you can use. I'm loving it.
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
What an interesting App, I will have to check out if there's anything similar here in the UK - People are definitely getting more aware of where their food has come from and how it has been handled x
Celeste says
I hope you can find it Sarah, it has been a big help for me. It's nice to know what you're putting in your body.
Ilka says
What a great app Celeste! Thanks for introducing it to us. Organic is always my first choice followed by local. I will give this a try!
Celeste says
The EWG website is filled with lots of valuable info, good luck with the app.
Cortne Trout says
This is GREAT info! Thanks so much! I'm always wondering these exact things about products I buy and food! I use to think I was super healthy because I tried to only buy food that said "natural" or "healthy" or "fat free" but I'm so glad that now I've done my research and don't just trust good marketing..
Celeste says
The way the words natural and healthy are used in marketing can be misleading. I think that healthy is relative, what one person perceives as healthy, another one may not. Because my daughter and I have food allergies, I always read labels. I'm glad you found this useful.
Nicole says
This app seems like a wonderful thing to have on your phone during shopping trips Celeste. I would love to be able to look produce up quickly to make the healthiest choices. Thanks for this great info!
Celeste says
You're welcome Nicole, I have it on my phone and I use it when shopping. I even scan and test some of the produces I have already purchased.
Healthy Shopping!
Amanda says
This looks like an interesting app and one that I'm almost scared to try - I never by organic (even though I totally know I should) and I'm sure alot of what I buy will be on the 'Dirty Dozen' list. Thanks for joining the Creative K Kids' linky party!
Celeste says
Amanda you may be surprised with some of the foods on the lower end of the pesticide list and you are relatively safe buying non-organic.
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
Celeste, thanks so much for sharing these apps. We plant an organic garden each year and don't use any pesticides or non organic items on the food, so we would love to know how to find items at the store that are good for us when the garden is not producing. This is perfect!
Melissa Ruddy says
Have never heard of this app before sounds really useful. I have a lot of friends who would benefit from this thanks for the great tip!
Celeste says
Melissa I'm glad you found this useful and I hope your friends get good use of it.
Tonya Conteh says
Wow! I've never heard of this app! You're right, Knowledge is POWER! Thanks for sharing this!
Shirley Wood says
This seems like a very useful and helpful app! Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Charlotte Burkholder says
Thanks for sharing on Family Joy Blog Link-up. Please come back and join us again! Have you heard of Aldi's? They are a much cheaper grocery store and offer organic line.
Celeste says
I actually have one very close to where i live and I get some of my organic produce form them as often as I can. I love that they have organic salads.
Sarah Jean says
Going to download this app!
Celeste says
It has been really useful for me.