Fruits/Vegetables
Farming today has drastically changed from the industry it once was. Instead of many small organic farms, there are fewer, larger industrial farms. These industrial farms use chemicals to help control their yield, such as pesticides which include insecticides, bactericide, fungicides and herbicides. Pesticides are used to kill a wide range of pests including: insects, fungi, bacteria and unwanted vegetation (weeds) that have the potential to be harmful to crops. What we as consumers should be worried about is not only the environmental effects, but also the negative human health impacts that these chemicals contribute to.
Pesticides
From the farm to your plate, what happens in between?
Ever wonder where you food comes from? Worried about pesticides? Today, America accounts for 25% of pesticide usage worldwide.
| The Dirty Dozen | The Clean Fifteen |
|---|---|
| Peach | Onion |
| Apple | Avacado |
| Bell Pepper | Sweet Corn |
| Celery | Pineapple |
| Nectarine | Mango |
| Strawberries | Asparagus |
| Cherries | Sweet Peas |
| Kale | Kiwi |
| Lettuce | Cabbage |
| Grapes (Imported) | Eggplant |
| Carrot | Papaya |
| Pear | Watermelon |
| Broccoli | |
| Tomato | |
| Sweet Potato |
Source: EWG Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides
Gardening
Want access to an affordable, healthy and delicious way to eat? Start your own garden!
Growing your own garden provides many benefits, including the following: improving the freshness of your food, redcuing your shopping bill and benefiting the environment. Never gardened before? Visit Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine for tips at http://www.weekendgardener.net/vegetable-gardening-tips/starting-garden-050705.htm.
