Environmental Working Group just released their new Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists with the new ranking of blueberries. Pesticides are a serious problem in non-organically grown fruits and vegetables and thanks to EWG’s list, people can now shop with confidence. If you aren’t aware, pesticides used on produce that we consume cause long-term health issues, especially during fetal development and early childhood. So it is always best to buy organically as often as possible and if possible, buy from local farms. Yes, organic tomatos from Santa Cruz might be $2/lb more expensive than the one from Mexico, but please think about your health, as well as the carbon footprint that a tomato from Mexico has left behind when you make your choice.

Here’s a printable version of the guide if you’d like to keep it with you as a reminder when you go grocery shopping. Always remember to buy organic whenever possible. This is the easiest way to ensure that you are getting the best quality item that is healthy and free of harmful toxic chemicals.