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London skye · 04-29-2007, 07:51 PM

Hi there,

I have been interested for quite some time in incorporating more organic foods into my family's diet but I haven't really done much research and I would like to be better informed before I start shopping.

Can anyone suggest a good website to become better informed on the benefits of organic foods? I am truly green (no pun intended) in this area.

Thanks.

Cathy

AuntPetunia · 04-29-2007, 07:58 PM

I don't have a reference, but I can summarize...
There are 2 reasons to choose organic food. The first is that something certified organic means that there were no chemicals/pesticides used in the growth or production - which means chemicals weren't put into the earth or drained off into the water or blown through the air. In other words - wonderful for the environment, but 'harder' to do, thus smaller farms and higher prices.
The second reason is that because there aren't chemicals used, you aren't feeding your family toxins. However, tons of articles you'll read will show that many fruits/vegs don't actually absorb or keep the pesticides and stuff on them and are pretty clean - but things like grapes, broccoli, etc keep them trapped and are harder to clean. So... depending on the produce, you could be giving your family less poison.
That's just the Coles Notes version - and please anyone, correct me if I'm wrong!

CartersMummy · 04-29-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtle

I don't have a reference, but I can summarize...
There are 2 reasons to choose organic food. The first is that something certified organic means that there were no chemicals/pesticides used in the growth or production - which means chemicals weren't put into the earth or drained off into the water or blown through the air. In other words - wonderful for the environment, but 'harder' to do, thus smaller farms and higher prices.
The second reason is that because there aren't chemicals used, you aren't feeding your family toxins. However, tons of articles you'll read will show that many fruits/vegs don't actually absorb or keep the pesticides and stuff on them and are pretty clean - but things like grapes, broccoli, etc keep them trapped and are harder to clean. So... depending on the produce, you could be giving your family less poison.
That's just the Coles Notes version - and please anyone, correct me if I'm wrong!

You hit it on the nail. Also Organic meat just tastes better lol

Leslie · 04-29-2007, 11:14 PM

We use express organics and have loved it so far!

www.expressorganics.com

They deliver once a week and it costs about $27 per week.

CartersMummy · 04-29-2007, 11:24 PM

I am contemplating this express organics now, looks good. Leslie do you get to pick the date of delivery? Sorry I will admit I am being lazy and don't want to read the site right now lol.

Leslie · 04-30-2007, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CartersMummy

I am contemplating this express organics now, looks good. Leslie do you get to pick the date of delivery? Sorry I will admit I am being lazy and don't want to read the site right now lol.

Nope it's just whatever night they deliver in your area. I'm often not home though and I just leave the bin with my cheque on the mailbox and they leave my fresh bin of food. They try to come between 3-9pm so that it doesn't sit out all day when no one is home. My day is wednesdays!

Geomamma · 04-30-2007, 01:26 PM

Is using E.O. any cheaper than buying in a store or at the market?

Leslie · 04-30-2007, 01:50 PM

I have found the prices to be comparable however I much much much prefer having them delivered right to me! It makes my trips to the grocery store much easier and I only buy what I know I'm not getting from EO.

04-30-2007, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianne

Is using E.O. any cheaper than buying in a store or at the market?

I did not have that great an experience with E.O. in terms of quality -- but I think I am in the minority. However, I think they are more expensive than buying at the grocery store/market.

I was at Walmart (Masonville) and I must say I have been really impressed with the quality and choice of the produce there. Loblaws has a lot and my understanding from others is that RCSS does as well. Organics is quickly becoming a big business so I expect that grocery stores will only continue to expand these areas.

Now, of course, with E.O. you have the convenience of having it delivered... but, if you are out grocery shopping anyway....

EWG has a nice list for the highest pesticides in produce:

http://www.foodnews.org/

Get a wallet-sized one to print-out:

http://www.foodnews.org/pdf/EWG_pesticide.pdf

BTW, both Loblaws and A&P are carrying traditionally raised meats/poultry!

highlandmom · 04-30-2007, 08:59 PM

I love EO, but I will admit that some weeks are better than others. But starting soon there will be more locally grown produce and better selection.

I like that I can avoid that section in the Grocery store, and now shopping at a Co-op and the Farmers Market, I don't 'Grocery Shop' anymore. It gets me and DD and DH out of the house for quality time.

I will agree, that the meat tastes better. The first time DH tasted Organic beef, he felt that he had forgotten what real food tasted like. I believe that organics taste better, and are better for you. No more tomatoes that look good, but taste like styrofoam!! Apples that smell up your whole kitchen.

Now we need to get GMO labeled food.......but thants another story.

thebarmybee · 04-30-2007, 09:04 PM

I too use EO and find the prices comparable when I have looked at RCSS and Loblaws. I find it actually saves me money in another way though... I used to shop and more expensive places because I found the produce in the discount stores (like No Frills, etc) to be gross. I didn't want to make 2 trips so I paid more for everything! Now I just shop at No Frills, and EO brings my prodce to the door. Works for me!