5 Tips to Eating Organic on a Budget

An important part of healthy living is to reduce the amount of toxic burden on our bodies.  We are exposed to many toxins environmentally, but also in the foods we consume.    A groundbreaking peer-reviewed study published in the journal Environmental Research, in 2020, found that switching to an organic diet significantly reduced the levels of synthetic pesticides found in children and adults after just one week.  After 6 days of eating an all-organic diet, detected pesticides dropped by 60.5%. (Source:  https://foe.org/the-study/).

You’re probably thinking “yeah that’s great, but it’s expensive eating organic.”  It doesn’t have to be.  Here are 5 tips to help you eat organic without breaking the wallet.

• Eat local and seasonally -- Supporting local farmers is always a win, and produce that’s in season is often cheaper and it’s fresher and tastes better.  You can learn more about seasonal eating here --  https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/why-eat-seasonally. 
• Buy in Bulk -- Bulk bins are a great way to save money on organic grains, nuts, seeds and more.  Buying in bulk saves on packaging waste and saves you money at the same time.
• Grow your own! -- Grab a pot, some soil and start your own “pot garden.”  Some companies even offer “tower garden” options for growing a garden.  Don’t forget those windowsills they are great places to grow an herb garden.
• Buy “Misfits” – Who says ugly food doesn’t taste just as good?  Several companies are now offering subscription boxes with “ugly”, “imperfect” or “misfit” produce.  Here are a few companies offering these “misfit” produce subscription boxes – Imperfect Foods, Misfits Market, Hungry Harvest are just a few. 
• Use the “Dirty Dozen/Clean Fifteen” lists from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) -- They are super handy when the budget is really tight.  I like to print the list out and put it in my wallet.  I can never remember what’s on it.  The list changes every year so be sure to check out there website so you have the current list --   https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php. 

With a little creativity, and planning you can enjoy organic foods and not break the bank, all while contributing to a healthier you!!