Organic Produce for Sustainability
One recommendation is to purchase organic produce, but organic produce can be expensive. So if you are going to start
buying organic it is better to purchase organic produce that is
typically the most contaminated with pesticides (Dirty Dozen)
instead of the produce that has the least amount of pesticide
residue (Clean 15). In general, the benefits of consuming
fruits and vegetables out way the risks of pesticide exposure so
do not let that risk keep you from eating fruits and vegetables.
Clean 15
Onions
Sweet Corn
Pineapples
Avocado
Asparagus
Sweet peas
Mangoes
Eggplant
Cantaloupe-domestic
Kiwi
Cabbage
Watermelon
Sweet potatoes
Grapefruit
Mushrooms
Dirty Dozen
Apples
Celery
Strawberries
Peaches
Spinach
Nectarines-imported
Grapes-imported
Sweet bell peppers
Potatoes
Blueberries-domestic
Lettuce
Kale/collard greens
Source: Environmental Working Group data using USDA and FDA pesticide residue analysis.
4/12