POLL: How much (if any) organic foods do you use?

[kima]

I just watched a facinating program on PBS by Bill Moyers on chemicals in our lives. It was a very thought provoking show. The scary part was how big chemical companies lie and deceive the public about the health hazards associated with this products- especially the jepardy to their workers. It reminded me of the tobaco industry as portrayed in the movie The Insider.
Anyway, this has renewed my interest in organic food. I have always tried to buy about 20% of our produce organic. Sometimes I buy more sometimes less depending on the price etc. I would like to up this amount. I was wondering about you all. Is organic a consideration when you shop? If so, do you feel more strongly about certain products/produce? I have read about the fruits and vegaetables which have the highest pesticide residue- it seems to vary from list to list but strawberries and spinach is always near the top. For some reason I always try and buy organic grapes- some tidbit of info on that stays in my mind.
Love to hear the thoughts of all you wise people!!

[mlou]

I buy all organic produce and milk & meat. The items you listed are of course the top items, usually anything that is thin skinned is the most likely to absorb the bad guys and of course anything without skin at all. Right now it seems corn and soy and all products made from them are biggies as far as gmo's. If more people would buy organic, the prices would come down http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I do make exceptions though-such as Pirate Booty's lol !

[kwormann]

Id like to use organic produce exclusively, but money is an issue right now.......I also like the thought of free range eggs ad chicken because of the treatment of the chickens, but money.....

Kim

[AD]

A person runs a risk whenever he or she eats anything. Personally, I'll eat whatever tastes best! The news reports just want to get your attention by scaring you. I believe any food I get that looks, tastes, feels, and smells OK and is not past the "sell by" date is fine.

[Gail]

Although I occasionally get lazy and will buy stuff at my conventional market just because I'm there, I try to buy all organic produce. Personally, I think it just tastes better!

[makedah]

I really wish I could afford to eat more organic. Right now, only about 10% of my groceries are. I pick up weekly items for recipes at Whole Foods (although I do my shopping for staples elsewhere) and sometimes get organic goods there. My plan is to make even more of an effort once I get a job. (and maybe even grow some organic goodies myslef!) I think it's crucial.

[Don]

I would eat more organic produce, but I don't trust paying the extra money right now. There is no federal regulation or definition as to what is truly organic. One of our TV stations did an expose and found that a lot of the produce and meat listed as organic in the grocery stores was not organic or organically raised at all. The organic label was a ruse to increase the prices. Moreover, in some instances (and I can't think of one off the top of my head) organic produce was less safe than the other stuff. I think it had something to do with organic pesticides, that many "organic" foods contain. At any rate, I'm all for organic food. But I want to know that I not just buying a label to rip me off.

[LGBurns]

Just FYI, if you look for food that has been certified organic under the Oregon Tilth Standards or California Organic Standards than it has been raised under the stricted organic standards in the country and you should have nothing to worry about. If you are unsure of how your fruits and vegetables are certified organic at the store, talk to the produce manager or ask to see the boxes they came in. Those would have to be labeled with the above standards. Although I am all for national standards, IMO they won't be worth anything if they aren't based on the above standards. And I love how the media is gung ho on showing problems with organic produce and products but it takes Bill Moyers on PBS to expose the amount of pesticides and other detrimental chemicals we take in everyday. Hm--and who owns CBS, NBC, and ABC again? Okay, off the soap box I go!

Another option is to become a member of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm. You buy a share in the farm for the season (here in Illinois our CSA is $470 for June to October but I'm sure in places like California you get stuff all year round). Then every week you get a basket of organic produce, either delivered to your door or delivered to a local drop-off site. Most farms also have open houses during the year to allow you to learn about how the farm works, etc. It's not only a great way to get organic produce, but you also support small farmers and meet other people interested in healthy eating too.

With that said, I buy organic as often as I can but sometimes it is just too expensive. I try to balance it out. I know there are certain fruits and vegetables that are worse than others when it comes to pesticides, etc. but I'm not sure which ones they are.

[This message has been edited by LGBurns (edited 04-01-2001).]

[JillC]

My regular grocery store has a great natural food section and lots of organic produce. I think all of the produce that I buy is organic except bananas,green onions and more unusual things like leeks and eggplant. As for price, this store often has organic fruit on sale. The organic salad mixes are the same price as most of the regular salad mixes, organic potatoes are about the same price as regular, too.
I eat organic not only for my own health, but for environmental reasons, too. I became aware of the effects of pesticides at an early age--when I was in fourth grade I had an allergic reaction when a field near our school was sprayed by a crop-duster.
Starting in May, we'll be getting weekly deliveries of organic produce from a local co-op farm as part of a Community Supported Agriculture program. I can't wait!
Jill

[cdm]

I cant say I buy all organic, but maybe 70%. I discovered Whole Foods a few years ago, and love the produce although its higher. I buy organic bananas now @ .99 a LB. I think they actually last longer than the supermarket bananas. I understand that they gas those bananas so they'll ripen quicker. I bought enough to last me till next Saturday, and theyll be just fine. I also buy arrowhead mills cereal (love hot cereal), and am hooked on Horizon dairy products. Even coffee beans. Gee, I guess I buy more than I first thought But the quality is well worth it!!

[lorilei]

I try to buy organic as much as possible (as well as hormone-free meats). For me, it's a quality issue as well as a pesticide issue.

Some of my organic must-buys -- strawberries, red/green peppers, lettuce, grapes, lemons and oranges (particularly for zesting)... I also buy organic grapefruit (since it's the only kind my husband - a sworn grapefruit-hater - will eat!). The flavor is just so much better in foods that are grown organically and allowed to ripen naturally.

I can't ALWAYS find organic produce, but I buy it whenever I can. I also stick with "healthy" yogurts (Horizon, Brown Cow, Stoneyfield Farms) since it contains more live cultures than commercialized brands.

[MrsReber]

I try to eat as healthy as I can, but I'm with the others who say the cost is pretty high. I wash everything good when I come home. I also agree that we really don't know what standards were used for the organic stuff. Oregon may have tough standards, but who's to say everyone follows them? I have read that grapes, strawberries, and cherries are probably among the worst as far as pesticides go. But why does it cost the consumer MORE money to use LESS pesticides? Not to sound ignorant, but can somebody explain that because I really don't understand it.

I have seen on the news as well the "free range" chickens- all they do is basically sit outside.

During the summer, I like to grow some of my own veggies and I know we don't use pesticides. It's pretty much a cost thing for me now.

[Grace]

Hi Mrs. Reber (may I call you Susan?! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif)

The reason why using more pesticides costs less, is because the pesticides keeps the bugs away that ruin the crops, thus allowing the crops to be much more bountiful.

When you don't use much or any pesticides, the crops don't produce as much or as well (i.e., half bug eaten produce they can't sell), so there's less of the crop. Simple supply and demand says that the more of something there is, the less it costs, and vice versa.

I must say I don't buy organic as much as I should or would like to. I think buying organic is important not only for our own immediate health, but for the "health" of the land. The land becomes ruined by overuse of pesticides, not to mention the water supplies becoming contaminated from run-off, which in turn, effects everything else.

Thanks for the reminder, guys, I will be making a point to shop more organically - and I do grow my own stuff in the summer with no pesticides either (just a little Miracle Grow fertilizer!!)

[mlou]

Since you asked...the organic produce is more expensive due to the reasons stated above and the fact that it is much more labor intensive-less machines used more work to control pests and to become certified costs a lot(about$500)to start. In addition, part of being organic involves rotating crops which means usually one acre is resting under ground cover at any particular time an not being used. Any produce that has certification stickers is organic for sure. If you don't trust this process, how can you trust any labels that you read?

Yes, the chickens sit outside and live a normal life as oppssed to living in a box and never getting to even move. Many times these chickens have their beaks burned off so they can't fight which could cause infections. Right now they are trying to breed chickens that don't even have beaks or feet. Yeah for GMO's!!!

[LGBurns]

I'd like to add some more incentives to buy organic when you can afford to (and I totally understand that it is expensive and not always an option--that's certainly true for me). In addition to those reasons already well articulated above, I'd like to add that I also think of the poor farm workers who breath in all the pesticides and other chemicals sprayed on the vegetables. This was one of the reason for the CA strawberry boycott a few years back and the CA grape boycott as well. So to review: your own health, the health of the land (and the ability to continue to grow food on it long into the future), and the health of the people who work hard to bring the food to the table.

[MaryB]

I will add my voice to those who try to buy organic. I do it for my health, my family's health, and the planet's health. It is more expensive to buy although organic produce prices are coming down as it has become more available. Generally I try to buy organic produce, hormone-free meat, free-range poultry, and free-range eggs. I have started to buy more organic dairy but organic dairy is still quite expensive. For me its been (and continues to be) a gradually process to more organic food. Oh, and I also buy from the local farmer's market when its open (which is not yet here in Wisconsin!).

[MrsReber]

Thanks guys- I didn't mean to sound ignorant on the subject, but I really couldn't understand why there was such a big price difference and I honestly did not know the reasons behind it. I do buy the organic stuff if I see it on sale. I can't help it- I just love to look at my reciept when I come out of the store and see how much money I saved. It's a sickness, I tell you! Anyway, what they do to the animals is horrible no matter how you look at it. I refuse to eat veal at all. I wish I could become a vegetarian, but I know I'd never last. I do actually crave meat and enjoy eating it. I am also an animal lover so it does bother me at times.

Oh, and why don't I trust those labels? I don't trust many labels, unfortunately. It always seems that we find out after the fact that the labels aren't right. Kind of harsh not to trust anyone (do I sound like the X-Files??)- does the government mandate any of the labels?




[This message has been edited by MrsReber (edited 04-02-2001).]

[LGBurns]

The labels aren't government mandated which, ironically, makes me trust them more. Not because I believe in industries of any kind policing themselves, but because it's my understanding that the organizations that do police organic labeling are very strict. My sister raises mandarin oranges in California and she said she won't be able to get an organic rating even though she'd like to because she uses Round Up (which is actually more benign than some organic pesticides but isn't approved for organic production) on her property even though she doesn't use it in her orchard (she uses it in the cracks in her sidewalk to get rid of weeds). Anyway, her experience trying to get certified makes me think that the "organic police" are pretty strict.

[Emdg]

Fortunately living in CA means having access to lots of produce of all kind. I am lucky in that we are able to grow a large portion of what we eat...all organically, which includes pest control and fertilizer (if you can, Grace, try not to use Miracle Grow. It is not considered organic.)
One of the reasons not mentioned yet for the expense of organically grown produce is the appearance. We are so use to seeing "perfect" fruits and vegetables that it is sometimes a challenge to get people to purchase something that is not perfectly round, dirt free, etc.
I buy as much as I can that is organic, including canned products, pastas,(there is even a mac and cheese!) etc.
Also,I try to stay within season. You have a better chance of finding more realistic pricing and a wider variety of organic, locally raised food.
I also buy only organic milk, butter and eggs. IMHO if the only thing you can afford that's organic is milk...that's what I would go for.
The production and sale of organics is constantly on the rise. As more people buy the prices will surely come down.
I wish I was one of those people I see in the Frontier Foods who is buying all of their groceries there. But I can't afford it. I do try to do the best I can...

[Grace]

Thanks for the info, Emdg! I wasn't aware of Miracle Grow not being organic. Rats. I will look for an organic fertilizer.

I learn so much from this board. Thanks again, everyone, for all the valuable information. My life is so much better now that I've found this board!


[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 04-02-2001).]

[karole]

it certainly seems most of you are of one mind on this. i agree with don & mrs reber. also if only the people who can afford it buy it--what about the poor people? doesn't seem fair.

[Luiza]

Originally posted by karole:
also if only the people who can afford it buy it--what about the poor people? doesn't seem fair.

Karole, I wondered many times about this myself. Organic food is more expensive for the reasons outlined above, and while it's getting cheaper as more people are interested in it, the prices are still high. On the other hand, probably poor people are busier worrying about nutrition than pesticides, because it's still cheaper to buy products that have been processed to death than fresh produce that needs some preparation time and spoils fast. I don't know if anybody has any answers.

Luiza

[mlou]

I'm betting karole, that you do many things that poor people can't afford to do.

When more people buy organic the prices will come down as store will not lose as much. I was going to mention that miracle grow thing-its kind of like steroids for your plants http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif I am thrilled to see that so many of us are buying organic. I also saw a show about the many farmers who are HAVING to go organic just to save their land that has been ruined by current farming practices. We have to respect the land if it is to sustain us. It is also not so important not to eat meat but if we all cut down just a little the impact would be huge http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Kman]

Perhaps a good look at priorities? Can you really not afford it or is your money going to the wrong places. For example I drive a well maintained car that has been paid for now many years. That leaves me more of a budget for what really counts. Just an idea. Also, if you make a good effort at choice and perhaps change your diet a bit you may find the cost not that different. I do hope you are able to buy at least some organic.

Regards,
Kman

Originally posted by kwormann:
Id like to use organic produce exclusively, but money is an issue right now.......I also like the thought of free range eggs ad chicken because of the treatment of the chickens, but money.....

Kim

[kirkbyky]

The best way to ensure your produce is organic & cheap is to grow your own. Most towns/cities have community gardens or CSA's if you're too shady/no room. I've grown veggies on 1+ acre of sun & 1/10 acre of shade in containers, both with excellent results. I dont have a green thumb, just a desire to eat healthfully, cheaply and nothing beats a sunriped, warm tomato right of the vine.

[MrsReber]

Oddly enough, I just saw an article this morning about how the FDA investigated some labels on food products and found that some companies were not listing foods which were high on the allergy list- foods which could trigger a potentially fatal allergic reaction. That was mainly why I asked if the organic labeling was mandated by the FDA. If the labels have to be in accordance with other standards, than I would have alot more faith in them- even so, I'm still a little skeptical.

I didn't know that miracle grow wasn't organic, either. We have used it in our garden in the past. I agree, we should respect the land and treat it right (and save it from developers!!!!)

[BethH]

After hearing Jane Goodall speak last summer (works with chimps), I was inspired to use my purchasing power to promote the things I care about and would like to see more of. Since then, I've been buying free-range eggs, organic food and beauty products not tested on animals whenever possible. I've also been trying to eat less meat.

I can't say I always do it--it is much more expensive and the Wild Oats is about a 1/2 hour away, but I'm trying. I still run to the store around the corner to pick up my groceries (but they do sell my free-range eggs!)and I certainly can't afford to buy all my groceries at the organic grocery--although I'd like to.

The lecture I heard just left me feeling inspired that each person can make a difference through the power of their purchases. The best way to promote organic produce and better treatment of animals is to purchase organic and free-range products. I really love this idea--maybe I can't completely change the world, but at least I can buy Aveda shampoo and free-range eggs! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

OK--I'll quit being Little Miss Idealistic now. Thanks for listening to my long-winded thoughts on this subject. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[SusanD]

I think it depends a lot on where in the country you live as well. In places like CA where people are more health-conscious you're going to find a better selection of organic produce, dairy, free-range chicken and eggs, etc. Unfortunately I live in an area that isn't quite there yet...and consequently the selection of organic goods at my local supermarket isn't very good. What little produce they have usually looks pretty yucky, and if I want to buy free-range chicken I have to drive about 40 minutes downtown to a specialty grocery store. I wish we had a Whole Foods around here! I do occasionally buy organic pre-packaged stuff like salsa, cereal, bread mix, etc. but only when my budget allows.

Also, Kman, I wanted to add a quick note to your response to Kim. It hit me on a personal level because I've also been the recipient of similar comments. Perhaps you were just trying to help, but please don't pass judgement on others' "choices" without knowing the full story. Just because you drive an older car and are therefore able to spend more on your groceries doesn't mean everyone can. Sometimes people just have to cut corners to pay the bills! My husband is also driving an older, well-maintained car that is paid off because we need to save our money for upcoming baby and my maternity leave. I certainly don't mean to sound rude, and I hope I didn't offend you...but sometimes things aren't always as they seem.

[Kman]

Not at all Susan. Yes an addition to the family would certainly be on the top of my priority list also. Spent a good deal of time eating Mac/Cheese and rice during the early times of raising my children, Non organic. My intentions where simply to examine priorities. Some things do definetly come first.

Regards and best to your family,
Kman

Originally posted by SusanD:
My husband is also driving an older, well-maintained car that is paid off because we need to save our money for upcoming baby and my maternity leave. I certainly don't mean to sound rude, and I hope I didn't offend you...but sometimes things aren't always as they seem.

[JillC]

Just a feel-good note on the issue of not being able to afford organic produce. I've read quite a few stories lately about community gardeners donating some or all of their produce (grown organically) to local shelters, food shelves, etc. What a wonderful way to give to your community!
Jill

[kima]

Just wanted to say how much I am enjoying reading your respones. I appreciate the discussion about the cost factor. Unlike the previous nasty thread re. carbos this discussion is full of respect and courtesy. I think Kman"s response to the concerns raised by setting priorities is a perfect example of how we treat one another at this BB. I like people to raise thought provoking qustions and to play the devil's advocate sometimes, It results in a lively discussion and food (whether organic or not) for thought. Thanks everyone.

[Don]

I'm really curious how organic foods are labelled in the markets around the country. At my market, the selection is very limited, and there are no labels on the produce itself. The label is on the bin. If someone wanted to be malicious and put some regular bananas in with the organic bananas, there would be no way to tell the difference. If the produce were labelled to be certain that you are getting what you pay for, I would be much more inclined to buy organic. Unfortunately, my area of the country is not even remotely intestested in organic food right now. In fact, the produce selection used to be fantastic at the market I usually frequent, but they are now de-emphasizing fresh produce and "exotic" items like bok choy. According to the produce manager, it rotted on the shelves. Pretty soon, there will be nothing left but onions, potatoes and iceberg lettuce. I have even had people ask me if I am vegetarian (which I am not), because I had so much "weird stuff" in my grocery basket. I'm afraid your posts have convinced me that most of the country is far ahead of my neighbors.

[JillC]

The places where I shop carry both organic and conventionally grown produce. Both types of produce have stickers (fruit), packaging (potatoes, salad mix), or rubber bands with tags (broccoli) to mark them as organic or conventional. I assume that they have to do this or the check-out person wouldn't know which to ring up. The stuff that they only carry as organic (like the bulk spring salad mix) is not marked, it just says organic on the sign above the bin.
Jill

[SusanD]

I hear you, Don! I get some strange looks too at the check-out when I unload things like tofu, carrot juice and "exotic" veggies (I don't consider fresh spinach and nappa cabbage to be exotic, but I guess some people do). More often than not, the cashier has to ask me what a certain type of produce is that I'm buying. I honestly don't know if the organic produce at my groc. store is individually labelled or not, like I said most of it is pretty disgusting looking so I don't even bother. There is a very small section called "Health Foods" that has some organic/unusual items...pita chips, brown pasta, whole-grain cereals, etc. but that's about it. The closest place I could go would be a natural foods co-op that's about 35-40 minutes away, and I just don't have time to shop there on a regular basis. It would be so great if we could get a Whole Foods...maybe someday!

And Kman...thanks for understanding! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Lynn B]

Coincidentally, when perusing some of my older CLs (as I often do!), I found an interesting article on organic foods. It's in the August 1997 issue, page 30.

I'm not sure if CL has addressed the issue since. But I can post some highlights of the article if anyone who doesn't have that issue would like me to!

Lynn