The Tug-of-War Between Purchasing Organic vs. Non-Organic

Raise your hand if you too feel like your in the constant battle of, "do I buy organic or non-organic?  Should I spend this much on this natural make-up product or use it towards x,y and z?"  You've read all of the books and articles about the benefits of buying organic and/or natural products and yet you find yourself in this tug-of-war.  When it comes down to the what's holding most of us back is the financial cost.  However before signing off shopping organic as something only the rich can afford, consider these three solutions that can ease the process: one, buy organic only for the dirty dozen; two, cut back on the products that you buy and start making your own; and three, give yourself grace and realize that you can only do what you can do.  These solutions won't solve all of your problems but they will help to calm battle from within.

Buy Organic When It Comes to The Dirty Dozen

Every year the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts out a list of the top twelve produce items that are most contaminated by pesticides.*  If buying all organic is not in the budget, limiting your organic purchases to the dirty dozen can help you focus your attention on avoiding the most contaminated fruits and vegetables.  This year's list includes: strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, and sweet bell peppers. 

*Many of the chemicals found on the dirty dozen are banned for use on food in other countries.  They technically don't violate U.S. laws because our regulations for pesticides in food are outdated.

Make Your Own Cleaning and Beauty Products

One of the ways that I've been able to purchase more organic beauty products is by: one, cutting back on the amount of total beauty products that I use and instead investing in a select few and two, making my own products.  The products that I currently use are ones that I love and stand by.  They are a little pricey but when used sparingly, go a long way.  The beauty products that I currently make are: dry shampoo, make-up remover, face masks, lotion, bronzer, and foundation powder.

Give Yourself Grace

This last step is one that I have to do the most often when it comes down to the decision of buying organic or not.  I have to regularly give myself grace and realize that I can only do what I can do.  At this point in time, our family can't afford to eat all organic.  It's frustrating and on some level seems unjust as I look over at Europe where they don't have to worry about consuming pesticides like we do, however I also count myself thankful.  Thankful that I have the information that I do to make informed choices when and where I can.  When it comes to buying organic produce or products, our family does what it can do.  If not organic we try to go as natural as possible, always making sure to read the ingredients labels, making food and products from scratch, and eating fresh, whole foods.  Our family views what we put in and on our bodies as an investment however we know that we aren't guaranteed to live forever.  Giving ourselves some grace helps make the battle a lot easy to manage.