9/19/12

Always Buy Organic: kale. America's favorite new superfood happens to be hard to grow, despite its hearty and robust nature. Kale attracts different types of crop-damaging insects, so many farmers use heavy amounts of pesticide to control infestations, which can lead to a large concentration of chemicals on your kale salad. If you want to enjoy the health benefits of dark, leafy kale, look for organic or triple wash conventional varieties.

9/18/12

Always Buy Organic: raisins. In independent studies, up to 26 pesticides have been found on conventional grapes. Fresh grapes are plucked and dried to make raisins, leaving you to question how well the grapes are washed before the drying process begins. And since grapes are thin-skinned, whatever is sprayed on them is often absorbed into the fruit. Give the popular snack an eco upgrade and always choose organic.

9/17/12

Always Buy Organic: milk. When you buy organic, it means the cows aren't treated with synthetic hormones or antibiotics, and they have spent at least one year in open fields grazing on grass. Organic milk lasts longer than conventional milk; it is sterilized at a higher temperature than regular milk -- 280 degrees vs. 145 degrees -- so organic milk's shelf life is up to two months. Less spoiled milk means you save money in the long run.