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As consumers become increasingly aware of environmental issues, many adopt sustainable practices, such as composting, shopping from eco-friendly brands and recycling.
If you’re sustainably minded, you might want to learn about the “Clean 15” foods list. What is this list and why is it important?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a United States nonprofit activist group that focuses on research and advocacy in several areas, including agriculture subsidies, drinking water pollutants, toxic chemicals and corporate accountability. Since 2004, the EWG has released annual consumer guides with various recommended products.
Here are some of the consumer guides from the EWG:
Unfortunately, some of our popular daily products contain potentially harmful ingredients and chemicals. While there are major brands that focus on sustainability, protecting the environment and keeping customers healthy, others are more concerned with generating revenue.
The EWG believes consumers have the right to know what ingredients are in their products. With these guides, consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions under food, beauty, medicine and other product categories.
One EWG list is “Clean Fifteen: EWG’s 2022 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” Did you know that pesticides play a major role in modern food production? Some fruits and vegetables you eat may contain pesticide residues, each with unique properties and toxicological effects.
Although pesticides benefit crop yields, they can have acute and chronic adverse effects on humans. However, health effects often depend on the number of pesticides and how someone is exposed to them.
Because pesticides in food are a public health concern, the EWG releases a list of 15 foods containing the least amount of pesticide residues.
When planning your next grocery shopping trip, consider buying these foods and avoiding some foods the EWG does not include on its list. Learn a bit more about each food and the nutritional benefits they offer.
In addition to offering a wide range of health benefits, you can buy these foods without worrying about pesticide exposure. It’s important to note that the U.S.’s sweet corn, papaya and summer squash may be produced from genetically modified seeds. If you want to avoid GMOs in these foods, consider buying organic varieties.
In addition to the EWG’s Clean 15 list, they publish another list containing 12 foods you might want to avoid. It’s called the EWG’s Dirty Dozen. Here is a list of those 12 foods:
This is not to say you cannot eat these foods, but the EWG did report that they contain the highest levels of pesticides. If possible, buy organic versions of the foods on the list above. When you buy organic, you still reap the nutritional benefits of these foods without exposing yourself to pesticide residues.
In simple terms, organic food products are made by following the best practices of organic farming. For example, these farms cycle resources, conserve biodiversity and promote ecological balance. It’s important to understand what “organic” means to make educated purchasing decisions.
Produce is considered organic if the USDA certifies that it was grown in soil free of prohibited substances, fertilizers or pesticides. When you grocery shop, look for the USDA Certified Organic label on food packaging. This will empower you to buy organic varieties of most foods to reduce pesticide exposure.
The food we eat impacts us in many ways, both mentally and physically. No one wants to eat food containing pesticides, but it might be challenging if you have a tight budget. If possible, buy organic foods to keep harmful chemicals out of your diet. Consider reviewing the EWG’s Clean 15 Foods list and the Dirty Dozen to guide your next shopping trip.
