Avoiding Pesticides in the Produce Section
As children, we’re taught always to wash our fruits and veggies before we eat them, especially if they come from big-chain grocery stores. But do you know why? Farmers battle bugs during growing seasons, making it challenging to maintain a bountiful harvest because pesky pests damage the crops. Avoiding pesticides in the produce section is tricky.
For gardeners expected to dole out a lot of fruits and veggies to grocery stores, insects can harm their well-being; thus, many farmers use pesticides to combat bugs and save crops. While pesticides have been around for thousands of years (the earliest record is 4,500 years ago in ancient Sumeria), the compounds usually contain toxic chemicals.
While the concept of pesticides is centuries old, it doesn’t make them safer for human (or pet) consumption. Sure, you wash your fruits and veggies before snacking on them, but does that remove all pesticides and potential health risks?
This article discusses avoiding pesticides in the produce section, minimizing exposure by staying informed, making smart shopping decisions, and possibly cultivating a garden for a pesticide-free harvest.
Understanding the Risks of Pesticides and Their Effects on Health and the Environment
Pesticides have become the norm in agriculture to protect crops from bugs and diseases; however, there are significant potential risks to human health and the environment. Risks are most common through consumption, but farmers and agricultural workers are at risk, too, because they regularly come into contact with pesticides on their skin and in the air.
Health Risks: For humans, pesticide exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation, like itchiness and inflammation. In severe cases, pesticides can cause respiratory issues, epileptic episodes, seizures, severe allergic reactions, and death.
Long-term pesticide exposure can lead to health risks like cancer, reproductive and infertility issues, thyroid and endocrine problems, and irreparable neurological disorders. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to harmful effects.
Environmental Impact: Pesticides can leach into soil, water, and air, contaminating nature and leading to declining biodiversity. Beneficial species, like bees and marine life, can be harmed by pesticides, disrupting ecosystems and resulting in the loss of pollination and natural pest control. Plus, pesticide chemicals are persistent and resistant, leading to long-term contamination of the environment.
The Dirty Dozen: Fruits and Vegetables with the Highest Pesticide Residue
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG for short) releases a list highlighting 12 fruits and veggies with the highest levels of pesticides. This produce was tested against other produce and was linked to higher pesticide residue, potentially exposing consumers to harmful chemicals.
In 2024, the EWG list includes:
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Bell and Hot Peppers
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
The Clean Fifteen: Low Pesticide Produce Options
On the flip side of the dirty dozen, The Environmental Working Group also releases an annual list of 15 fruits and veggies with the lowest pesticide counts. This produce was safer and cleaner than others, making it safer for consumption.
In 2024, the EWG list includes:
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Onions
- Papayas
- Sweet Peas
- Asparagus
- Honeydew Melons
- Kiwis
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelons
- Carrots
Organic vs. Conventional Produce: What Do They Mean?
Organic and conventional are terms used to describe different farming techniques. Each practice follows federal guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic farming utilizes natural substances and practices for pest and weed control, enhances soil quality, and avoids genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Conventional farming techniques use synthetic chemical compounds (pesticides) to control pests and weeds. Conventional crops with higher harvest rates are often grown in bulk, which could lead to soil degradation and water contamination because of chemical use. This produce is more readily available than organic, while organic produce can be more expensive. However, organic produce is better for the environment and a person’s health, as it reduces exposure to pesticides and chemicals.
Shopping Tips for Pesticide-Free Produce
- Buy organic versions of the EWG’s dirty dozen list.
- Shop farmer’s markets. Talk to growers about their farming practices and make informed decisions based on what they use to control pests and weeds.
- Wash fruits and vegetables in warm water, using a small scrub brush to remove surface pesticides.
- Peel fruits and veggies when possible. Removing the outer skin will reduce the amount of consumed pesticides.
Growing Your Own Pesticide-Free Produce
Shopping for pesticide-free produce is possible but challenging, so consider growing a garden for whole, nutritious, pesticide-free foods. You can ensure chemical-free, fresh fruits and vegetables while protecting yourself and the environment.
Here are some protective gardening tips for natural, pesticide-free produce:
- Plant companion crops to deter pests. One crop protects another like marigolds can repel nematodes from tomatoes. Or planting basil can keep climbing plants safe from aphids.
- Use row covers or garden netting to protect ground plants from pests.
- Invite ladybugs and spiders into your garden. They will eat pests, keeping the bug population under control naturally.
- Suppress weeds using natural mulch around your plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Rotate plants to keep pests and potential diseases from building up.
- Select produce renowned for being resistant to pests, such as onions, leeks, potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic.
How to Advocate for Pesticide-Free Farming Practices
The number one way to advocate for pesticide-free farming practices is to support local farmers. Purchase produce that’s been naturally grown without chemicals. Additionally, shop for in-season fruits and vegetables. The demand for out-of-season produce makes it more challenging for farmers to grow naturally without synthetic substances.
Engage with policymakers for pesticide-free farming practices, join local advocacy groups and collaborate with organizations to raise public awareness of pesticide harm, and educate your community about pesticide-free farming techniques. You can also advocate for better research through IPM (Integrated Pest Management), where farmers learn to minimize pest damage through natural monitoring, cultural practices, and biological control.
Interested in learning more about avoiding pesticides in the produce section? Check out Stony Creek Farm in Tennessee. Our blog is packed full of gardening tips and advice about sustainable living practices, including info about pesticide-free fruits and veggies. You can also check out the Stony Creek Farm eBook about gardening without pesticides!
