Another Reason to Choose Local Organic Food

This article explains the link recently found between pesticide-laden foods and ADHD in kids.

To save your wallet, here's a list of the "dirty dozen" and the "clean fifteen" fruits and veggies. The Dirty dozen are the ones that you should spend a little more and get organic. The clean fifteen have the least amount of pesticides, so buy the cheapest. :)

Dirty Dozen
1 (Worst) Celery
2 Peaches
3 Strawberries
4 Apples
5 Blueberries (Domestic)
6 Nectarines
7 Sweet Bell Peppers
8 Spinach
9 Kale/Collard Greens
10 Cherries
11 Potatoes
12 Grapes (Imported)

Clean Fifteen

1 (Best)	Onions
2	Avocado
3	Sweet Corn (Frozen)
4	Pineapples
5	Mango (Subtropical and Tropical)
6	Sweet Peas (Frozen)
7	Asparagus
8	Kiwi Fruit (Subtropical and Tropical)
9	Cabbage
10	Eggplant
11	Cantaloupe (Domestic)
12	Watermelon
13	Grapefruit
14	Sweet Potatoes
15	Honeydew Melon

Here is where you can get a PDF wallet-sized printout or the iPhone app for free. And for those of us who want the full list, here it is: Also, when you get your produce, washing it is a great idea. Don't use soap though. That adds more chemicals. Try a vinegar soak (equal parts water and vinegar), and/or a vegetable scrub brush and cold running water.
Kara has good pointers, as always. FYI- The grapes on the dirty list are imported grapes--this means that they are not close to local, and they are not local because they are out of season. It's always best to eat in things "in the season thereof." Go fig. You know what's even better than local organic? Home grown. Those prophets sure have some good ideas. :) P.S. If you can't find these things in your local markets, you have lot more control over that than you think. Start talking to your local farmers and grocers! Make comments. Make a fuss. They bring in and grow what you buy. It's your vote that counts.
P.P.S. I don't know why this formatting is so ridiculous. Sorry.