Organic reduces the risks associated with the use of pesticides, moves towards agricultural practices more harmonious with nature and cuts back on fossil fuel dependence. However, organic foods cost more than their conventional counterparts. If your concern primarily focuses on reducing exposure to pestides then you can take the middle road of eating organic versions of the most pesticide laden fruits and vegetables and eat only organic meat.
Below is a chart of produce where a substantial amount of pesticides were detected. The fruits and veggies highlighted in pink strike me as the ones to definitely buy organic. The yellow also are probably best bought organic.
| Produce | Score | % with Pesticides |
% with 2 Pesticides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peaches | 100 | 97 | 87 |
| Apples | 89 | 92 | 79 |
| Sweet Bell Peppers | 86 | 82 | 62 |
| Celery | 85 | 94 | 80 |
| Nectarines | 84 | 97 | 85 |
| Strawberries | 82 | 92 | 69 |
| Cherries | 75 | 91 | 76 |
| Pears | 65 | 87 | 47 |
| Grapes (Imported) | 65 | 85 | 53 |
| Spinach | 60 | 70 | 31 |
| Lettuce | 59 | 59 | 33 |
| Potatoes | 58 | 81 | 18 |
| Carrots | 57 | 82 | 48 |
| Green Beans | 53 | 65 | 39 |
| Hot Peppers | 53 | 55 | 28 |
| Cucumbers | 52 | 73 | 32 |
| Raspberries | 47 | 48 | 23 |
| Plums | 45 | 56 | 10 |
| Grapes | 43 | 61 | 22 |
| Oranges | 42 | 83 | 29 |
| Grapefruit | 40 | 62 | 23 |