{This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my full Disclosure Policy.}
What is the Dirty Dozen? And how does it help you save money on groceries? Find out how you CAN afford to buy organic food…keep reading!
What is the Dirty Dozen?
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a new report, the “Dirty Dozen,” which is a list of the dirtiest—or most contaminated—fruits and vegetables based on pesticide use. (EWG also releases a “Clean Fifteen” list, including crops with the least pesticide residue.)
The report ranks items on the amount of pesticide residues, but also the number of pesticides found—and some (such as kale) had over 20 different pesticides found on just one test sample! Eeeek! [source]
This may make you and I a bit more cautious when we peruse the many options of salad greens in our local supermarkets!
Visit EWG.org to view the full Dirty Dozen list and the Clean Fifteen list. I’ve made a helpful infographic below, to summarize it for you.
RELATED: 2022 Environmental Working Group Dirty Dozen List
How to Use the Dirty Dozen List to Save Money
The Dirty Dozen list is a helpful guide for those of us who want to eat healthy non-toxic foods, without spending a fortune on what we put into our bodies! The list works a lot like a cheat sheet: It tells you the most toxic fruits and vegetables (therefore, the ones most advantageous to buy organic), and you try your best to always purchase those certified organic. Yes, you may potentially spend a little more NOW for the organic version, but…you must realize it could likely prevent loads of health problems and expenses LATER!
And did you know? Buying organic produce doesn’t ALWAYS cost more than conventional!
I often find frozen organic berries for the same or less price per pound than conventional fresh ones, and at times have scored deals such as $0.99 bags of organic bell peppers (mind blowing when just one organic pepper often costs $3!), or marked down greens, which I know I will eat immediately. Be aware of regular costs so you’ll know a good deal when you see one, keep your eyes open for markdowns and special prices, and you’ll likely find them! Score! 🙂
RELATED: 9 Ways to Afford Organic Food (not just fruits and vegetables!)
Let me explain this further by telling you how I use the Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen lists.
How I Use the Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen Lists
First, I take note of the dirtiest foods. This year (2022), those include strawberries, spinach, kale (and collard and mustard greens), nectarines, apples, grapes, peppers, cherries, peaches, pears, celery, and tomatoes. These are the foods I focus on buying organic whenever possible. By concentrating on just the Dirty Dozen items, I can ignore buying any other organic produce—unless, of course, the budget allows!
RELATED: How to Freeze Fresh Berries (and Save Money)
Shopping tip: Save the Dirty Dozen list as a screenshot on your phone or write the list on a small slip of paper in your wallet so any time you shop for groceries, you’ll be able to quickly reference it!
Next, I check the Clean Fifteen list. I don’t worry if I can’t buy organic bananas or avocados; they have significantly less pesticide residue. I’ll be removing the outside peels anyway.
By focusing primarily on the dirtiest produce when you buy organic, you are then free (that’s right…no guilt!) to buy conventional produce for the rest, especially the Clean Fifteen items! This can significantly change your grocery spending, not to mention, remove any guilt you may feel for not buying the “best” for yourself and/or your family.
Let me stop here to say: Even if you can’t afford to buy ANY organic fruits or vegetables, it is still more beneficial to your body to eat conventional produce instead of highly processed foods and other less healthy alternatives!
Even if you can’t afford to buy ANY organic fruits or vegetables, it is still more beneficial to your body to eat conventional produce instead of highly processed foods!
This means that:
- If you can’t afford to buy organic for the items on the Dirty Dozen, you should still buy them conventionally.
- You may want to consider meal planning around Clean Fifteen items, sprinkling in Dirty Dozen items as affordable.
- Variety is key. By rotating (ideally, seasonally) the fruits and vegetables you eat, you’ll inevitably save money by buying at the best possible prices at any point in the year.
- Substitutes are your friend. If it breaks the bank for you to buy organic salad greens for a side salad, why not incorporate a mixed vegetable medley of cauliflower, broccoli, onions, and mushrooms (all Clean Fifteen items) instead? Get creative, and you’ll save money.
Don’t ever feel guilty if you can’t afford organics. Just do the best you can!
Leave a Reply