After receiving a phone call from my friend Erika, explaining to me that she had spent about $100 at the store on just Organic veggies for the week, and how it was breaking her budget, I decided to research how to save money when buying produce.  I came up with this 'Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce', which shows you how to limit your exposure to pesticides.  Next time you go to the store or the Farmers market, in order to save money, refer to this guide of the Most Contaminated fruits and Veggies vs. The Least Contaminated.  While shopping you can save money by buying the 'Least Contaminated' Produce Conventional, and splurge on the Organic Produce that is listed in The 'Most Contaminated List'!  This should help us Eco-parents keep within our budget and still get pesticide free (or close to) veggies!  Remember, it is better for the earth to buy local produce vs. produce at the supermarket that is trucked thousands of miles across the country to end up in your basket, and usually local produce is certified Organic, or close to!

Most Contaminated

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes that are imported
10. Pears
11. Spinach
12. Potatoes

Least Contaminated

1. Onions
2. Avocados
3. Sweet Corn (frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mangoes
6. Sweet Peas (frozen)
7. Asparagus
8. Kiwi
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Eggplant

*Source: Environmental Working Group, www.foodnews.org