The Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen (free printable and app)

Do you struggle deciding which fruits and vegetables to buy organic?  Does your budget not allow you to purchase everything organic?  Does your grocery store not have a large selection of organic produce?

I struggle with the same thing!  In the spring, summer and fall, I participate in a CSA program in which a receive a boxful of beautiful, organic, local produce.  During this time, I do not need to buy a lot of produce at the grocery store.

Unfortunately, in Chicago, the winter means no farm CSAs and no farmers markets!  It's off the the grocery I go!

I am fortunate that I do have plenty of grocery stores around me that carry a variety of organic produce.  The problem is, I don't have the time to drive from store to store stocking up on what each one carries.  If I am at a grocery store, and have to pick conventional produce, I rely on the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen to help me out and make me feel better about my purchases!

One of the main concerns about buying conventional vs. organic produce is exposure to pesticides.  The Environmental Working Group came up with these lists as a way to show consumers which produce has the most pesticide residue (the dirty dozen) and which are considered to be the most free of pesticide residue the clean fifteen).

This way, if your budget does not allow all organic, you can choose to buy organically from the dirty dozen list!

i-Tunes has a free app for you to have the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen at your fingertips.  Click here for the app.

I have also included the pdf file of the guide here for you to print out and keep on hand!  Enjoy!!!

Print Guide Here

Download App Here

Do you find yourself using this list?  How often do you buy organic produce?  Answer in the comments below!