THE CLEAN 15 - If you choose to buy conventional produce, stick to the fruits and veggies with the lowest amounts of pesticide residue. This group, dubbed "the clean 15" by the Environmental Working Group includes:
onions, avocados, corn, pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, sweet peas, kiwifruits, cabbages, eggplants, papayas, watermelons, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes.
THE DIRTY DOZEN: The EWG has compiled a list of the 12 fruits and veggies with the most pesticide residue. For these varieties, it's worth seeking out organics:peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, imported grapes, carrots and pears.
Bottom Line: Bottom organic whenever you can; it's best for the environment. Exceptions; if it's flown in from across the world and you have a beautiful, local - but not organic - carrot right under your nose, or if it's mass produced and you have the option to buy from a reliable small farmer instead - BUY LOCAL ALASKA!!!