EWG'S 2020 DIRTY DOZEN & CLEAN 15

If organizations can be heroes, then let’s get some cape measurements for the brave, life-saving efforts of The Environmental Working Group! Abbreviated as The EWG, this non-profit founded in 1992 empowers citizens like you and me with actionable, in-depth information on hazardous substances in our food, personal products, cleaning supplies, and environment. Knowledge is power. Their goal is to educate us as consumers so we can make informed choices that lead to a healthier life.

Every year, The EWG releases their “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists. The Dirty Dozen is a list of fruit and vegetable crops found to have the highest levels of toxic pesticide residue. The fruits and vegetables on this list must be purchased organic in order to reduce risks associated with toxic pesticide exposure. The Clean Fifteen are food crops tested to have the lowest amount of exposure. These items may be purchased conventional (non-organic) with low health risk. These lists are very helpful in informing organic and non-organic grocery purchases.

Buying 100% organic is a great way to support environmental and personal health. However, this is not always financially accessible, or even physically accessible: many grocery stores only have select produce available in organic varieties, some have none, and all are priced at a premium compared to conventional produce. Put your money where it matters; using the lists below will help you navigate the produce aisle at your local grocer, make smarter decisions and eat healthy. You can download the “Dirty Dozen” app, created by the EWG, for quick access while shopping.

Long-term pesticide exposure, the kind we get from eating heavily sprayed inorganic food, has been associated with the development of leukemia, lymphoma, cancer, asthma, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

Thanks to The EWG, we now know how to better shop, for our health, the environment, and our wallets.