Organic Handcuffs.

[Emett]

I pay the extra money for organic milk and eggs. The only other thing I'm always always buying organic are apples, and they're not usually too much extra. These choices are dominated by the flavor aspect, I simply can't go back to a lower quality choice with these. That's what I call the organic handcuffs, now you're captured...

The other stuff I always buy organic is the stuff that's cheaper, I almost always take the time compare prices between the organic section and the rest of the produce. And there will usually be a surprize or two price-wise... like when the organic bell peppers are sold by the pound-- they're pretty light, even a big one's is usually only about a quarter pound-- there just might be a great deal lurking.

I'd say, just going by flavor alone, that the order of importance for purchasing organic, for me, goes something like this: Eggs, Milk, Celery, Romaine, Potatos, Carrots, Apples, Tomatoes... then whatever's there. Which is a little different than the order of importance if one where most concerned with pesticides: Potatos, Carrots, other roots, Peaches, Bell Peppers, Strawberrys, and flowers! all top the list. The leafy stuff can be washed and many others can be completely peeled, and so then the importance returns to flavor and the growing practices/environment.

The processed and then individually wrapped organic items just irritates me, how rude to undo the positive environmental impact of growing something organically... like now I've seen organic sugar in the baking aisle, so what do they do: package it in smaller units, in PLASTIC bags, when all the regular sugar's been in nice paper bags forever... Good greef!

Organic meat is important too, but I'm not able to tell you if tastes any better. It's usually better when you can trust where it's coming from and the animal lives as close to a natural life as might be posible for fodder... there's a movement here, but I'm short on time, so I'll return with more info and some links in a bit. -emett

[Emett]

There's more than your health and the taste to think of too. Organic anything is better for the land, water, soil, (can build-up soil with composting instead of consuming it's nutrients completely...) critters and farmers and families that live on or near the farms too. Organic, not necessarily certified, is easy for your home gardening, too. Just look out for growing food in soil too near where rain has run off any non-green rooftop for years: shingle water, not tasty...


I think it's funny-sad that before the 50's all the food was basically organic. In places where they never went "modern" it still naturally is. Seems like organics should be cheaper, but mostly they are more money. Still worth it!
Please read this book: Link to Organic Manifesto