Green Life = easy produce

When our family decided to "go green" , around 6 years ago, there were very few options for us. The major grocery stores had very few "alternative" products...and their organic produce selection was dismal. At the time we had one small child and another on the way...we needed to eat! So, we ventured to the queen of all grocery stores...Whole Foods. Located in Hazelton Lanes, this was our weekend outing. If you have never been to Whole Foods before...it is awesome. The produce area is clean and bright and fully stocked.

True not everything at WF is organic...but most food is. WF's core values include high customer service, selling highest quality natural and organic products, being community citizens and using wise environmental practices (see the entire set of values here).

So, we found everything we needed. Over time, our weekends got busier, with two growing daughters. Thankfully, more high quality organic options became available at our local Loblaws. Not to mention when we would tell people where we shop they would refer to WF as "whole paycheque". Although we do go back from time to time. It's true that we paid more, but we made a conscious decision to value what we were eating. For our family the number one thing we spend money on is food. Not only does food sustain you, it shapes your future and it impacts the world around you. Way to philosophical...I know.

Anyhow, we all have heard that there are some fruits and veggies that we don't need to buy organic and some that we should only buy organic. What is what? How do we know? Really it boils down to which fruits and veggies need the most pesticides to grow successfully. But without being an actual farmer, how do we know? I got this list from TreeHugger.com, and it comes with a handy cartoonish printout...that kids love to use.

apples

pears

cherries

grapes

peach/nectarines

potatoes

bell peppers

spinach

strawberries, raspberries

celery

avocado

eggplant

corn

peas

bananas

brocoli

onions

tomato

mango

pineapple

papaya

sweet potato

asparagus

watermelon

kiwi

cabbage

It doesn't really matter if you shop at Whole Foods, Loblaws, Price Chopper, IGA, Fresh Co., Metro or No Frills. It's not about where you shop - it is about how you shop.