Pick local whenever possible.
Look for fresh local produce at farmers markets. Many small
farmers grow their fruit and vegetables without using pesticides,
but they don't have full organic certification because obtaining it
is costly and time-consuming. Ask the market staff for information
about how the farm operates. Even if the produce is not organic,
there are benefits to eating locally grown food. Some organic food
travels hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach your plate,
which burns large quantities of fossil fuels. Locally grown produce
doesn't travel as far, and that's better for the environment -- and
for you, since the food is fresher.
For more information on pesticide levels for other types of
produce, visit the EWG at
www.foodnews.org.
To find a farmers market near you, visit
www.localharvest.org or
www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets for a list from
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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