Buying Organic

[Cumberland]

Do you? I am trying to do some things... like milk. Still at 3.35 for a half gallon versus 2.99 for a gallon of non organic- well that is steep. Same for raisins- 2.5 times the price for organic.

On some things I do. Higher priority is dairy products. I just found 3 pounds of organic butter for 9.99 at Costco. I've been paying $3 per half gallon for organic milk delivered (no delivery fee). I also try to buy organic produce that is on the lists of highest pesticide content. The farmer's market is a great source.
Here's the list (12 highest):
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Cherries
• Imported Grapes
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Potatoes
• Red Raspberries
• Spinach
• Strawberries

12 lowest:
Asparagus
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn (sweet)
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Onions
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Peas (sweet)

(http://www.foodnews.org/reportcard.php)

[DCJenn]

I also try to buy organic, perhaps in the misplaced thought that the more we buy, the more will be produced and eventually costs will go down. BUT, last month things got tight and the 1.99 1/2 gallon at the commissary was what was purchased.

I also heard the organic milk is at a premium because there aren't enough farmers at the moment because it takes 3 years for the pesticides and other ick to be off the farm before the cows and land can be considered organic. apparently the writing is on the wall for the small farmers and MANY are in the process of converting.

Jenn

I can't recall seeing dairy products marked as "transitional" but I would buy it if I did. I figure that if they are working toward the organic certification, it's better than the regular stuff.

[Vishenka69]

I don't buy organic, it's still a too pricey for us. But I did a google search for organic delivery services and there are a number in our area that end up being cheaper than going to the store. May be once we have kids and I change my mind about organic, I'll give them a try.

[spotty_dog]

I buy organic soy, cotton, and now that I've started making my own yogurt, milk. I buy organic produce when I can, especially the top offenders -- I hear that strawberries are the worst, so since the organic ones are usually out of our price range, we don't get 'em. Maybe for a special treat. With Ghirardelli chocolate for melting and dipping.

If the price difference between organic and conventional is minimal, I'll pay for organic. But better yet, if "home grown" or other local produce is an option, I'll pay a premium for it -- makes me feel MUCH better not to buy food that's been trucked across the country from California! (Because of energy use, because of vitamin loss from storage, and because more fragile and sometimes more nutritious and genetically sound varieties can be grown for local consumption!)

I definately buy organic when I can. Luckily, TJ'S offers great deals on organic stuff otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford it.
I always buy organic milk, eggs, butter, coffee, some produce
After reading Fast Food Nation, I have a hard time NOT buying organic meat. Thus, I don't eat a lot of red meat anymore and when I do, I go organic.
I try to buy stuff that's organic on sale at Whole Foods which surprisingly turns out to be cheaper than non-organic, BUT only when there is a sale. Otherwise it's too pricey.
I'd starve without Trader Joe's.
The truth is organic tastes better. I have to say Alison, Trader Joe's organic strawberries are awesome and not too pricey. I stopped buying non-organic strawberries because they simply have no flavor whatsoever. They are white inside and tasteless. The organic ones are juicy and red inside and full of flavor!
I too, buy stuff that's lower in pesticides and shop at farmer's markets. I live in an area where there are lot's of them, luckily.
Organic is actually a big deal to me. I know way too much about what goes into the non-organic everything and it's incredibly disturbing.
I know people who poo-poo organic but choose to buy a $100 bottle of wine or designer clothes.

[DCJenn]

Farmer's markets are great, aren't they? The FDA has a great one in their parking lot every Friday afternoon. Nikolai and I try to hit it at least once a month just to get some of whatever is there. We got some amazing tomatoes a few weeks ago that we drizzled with balsamic (what we didn't eat straight out of the bag!) and had with fresh mozzerella.

My mom's neighbor also grows a ton of stuff and he leaves it out on a picnic table and you pay on the honor system. Gotta love small town, USA.

There is a big Victorian market called Eastern Market here in DC (any visitors, it's well worth the trip on the Metro) that has regular vendors during the week and then on the weekend the local farmers come in. There's this lettuce guy that has the most amazing greens.

I think it's a matter of trying to be a responsible consumer as much as it is for health. (Taste- there is no option- fresher is always better) AND, get this, the commissary system is going back to local sources for produce. The produce is usually AWFUL (bananas and red leaf lettuce were all I'd ever get) and if they actually go this route at all of the areas, I'll be psyched! They've tried it at the bases in the SE part of the country and it's worked really well.

Jenn

[spotty_dog]

I'd starve without Trader Joe's.
The truth is organic tastes better. I have to say Alison, Trader Joe's organic strawberries are awesome and not too pricey. I stopped buying non-organic strawberries because they simply have no flavor whatsoever. They are white inside and tasteless. The organic ones are juicy and red inside and full of flavor!

I totally agree on all counts. Trader Joe's made life in Cleveland worth living when it came out here -- I'm only exaggerating a little. I think I avoid fresh berries because I have this ingrained sense that fruit should only be $1/lb! But I'll check out the TJ's strawberries next time I go (won't be for a couple of weeks, I did my giant cart-full this last weekend.)

I am very much spoiled by organic and homegrown produce. Especially garlic, omigosh the flavor! Oh, and broccoli is one of the worst. It's SO much more expensive organic, but it's SO much tastier! Augh!

[Vanquisher]

Don't have a Trader Joe's. In my opinion organic is overrated and completely not worth it.

Sometimes I defnitely don't feel like I belong in the Dawkter's spouse club. I shop at Wal-Mart, I drive an old SUV, I buy inorganic(regular), send my son to public school, etc.

I cannot even afford to live up to the poor resident Dawkter spouse lifestyle, let alone anything beyond that.

Sorry, I am in a piss-poor mood. To make ends meet I have had to start working from home doing medical transcription and making a pittance of a wage. Sorry for the hijack.

[mommax3]

I have never bought organic food either, although I have been reading this thread with interest. I do try to buy produce in season from farmers' markets, soley because of the taste, and will probably do more of that now that I am back in a more agricultural location.

I guess I haven't felt like DH or I have suffered from buying regular old food from the grocery store, but obviously the jury is still out on our long term health. The cost of the gas it would take for me to get to TJs would make any bargains I might get on organic food a non-savings.

This is just not a battle I have chosen to fight, I guess! My kids drink a ton of skim milk (as do DH and I....we go through 4-5 gallons a week!)and eat their veggies pretty well.....I avoid sugary snacks, drinks, and Lunchables :: like the plague, and from what I see, I am WAY ahead of the game compared to the great masses, so I think I will just remain content with that. More power to all of you who are doing this, though....I think it is wonderful!

Sally

[Meenah]

I don't either unless it is something I really want. It is too expensive, and we barely make ends meet.
Luanne

I am so happy to have found TJs!

Sally, I think that local produce is best, organic or not. I love the Farmer's Markets around here and will be sad to give them up if we move.

I broke out the Costco organic butter last night and was disappointed to see it was salted. I'll have to try TJs next.

The cheapest organic produce I have found is what I grow myself!

I am so happy to have found TJs!

Sure - rub it in why don't you??

Sorry.....

I know understand people's devotion to TJs. Organic baby spinach for $1.79 -- AMAZING!

Jenn -- give me a list and I will shop and ship!