The Dirty Dozen

There are actually a little more than 12 on this list, because the original list published by The Environmental Working Group grouped a few items together which I have separated on this list.

For those of you who don't know, the Dirty Dozen is a list published yearly by The Environmental Working Group based on the Department of Agriculture's data regarding pesticide residue. The Fruits & Veggies on this list are the worst of the worst.

It is estimated that by buying at least the items on this list organic, you can reduce the amount of pesticide that you consume by up to 80%. 

So without further adieu:

1. Apples 
2. Celery
3. Cherry Tomatoes
4. Cucumbers
5. Grapes
6. Hot Peppers
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Peaches
9. Potatoes
10. Spinach
11. Strawberries
12. Sweet Bell Peppers
13. Kale/Collard Greens
14. Summer Squash

When shopping off of this list, please remember to keep in mind the things you buy that have these things in them. Like Grape Juice and Apple Juice or .....gasp French Fries. Potatoes have a disturbing amount of chemicals applied to them, which means those delicious salty fries, are terribly bad for your health in more ways than the obvious.