Eating Dirty or Clean? The EWG's 2024 Fruit and Vegetable Rankings
The Environmental Working Group has released its 2024 guide ranking fruits and veggies by levels of pesticide residues. The 'Dirty Dozen' highlights the produce with the highest pesticide contamination, while the 'Clean Fifteen' lists those with the least.
Pesticide use remains rampant in modern agriculture, with an estimated 6 billion pounds applied globally back in 2012 - a number that has only increased over the past decade. These chemicals have demonstrated an indiscriminate killing ability, poisoning far more than just pests. Pesticides tarnish soil composition, air quality, water sources and can harm farmworkers, surrounding communities, and consumers who ingest these chemical residues.
The EWG found detectable pesticide levels on an alarming 95% of non-organic leafy greens, strawberries, grapes, peaches, pears and other popular fruits and veggies tested.
Heading up this year's Dirty Dozen list as the most pesticide-tainted produce are nectarines, apples, cherries, blueberries, peppers and green beans. Although eating conventional produce is still better than avoiding fruits and vegetables altogether, the known risks of pesticide exposure are concerning. Research has linked these chemicals to birth defects, reproductive harm, neurological issues in kids, and increased odds of cancer and other diseases. Fortunately, there's also a demand for cleaner alternatives, with avocados, mangoes, asparagus, pineapples, and onions comprising 'The Clean Fifteen' least contaminated conventionally-grown crops. Around two-thirds had no detectable pesticide residue.
Consumers looking to reduce their pesticide intake should prioritize these 'Clean Fifteen' options, choose organic when possible, or consider growing their own produce.
Growing produce at home can begin with as little as a pot and a seed. Access to a balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill, can be used to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs in containers. Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, basil and cilantro are excellent choices for container gardening. Space can be maximized even further by growing vines or trailing plants vertically on trellises. Cucumbers, pole beans, and strawberries can be grown vertically to save ground space. With proper planning, even a small space can yield a bountiful harvest and a rewarding and sustainable way of living.
Of particular concern, the EWG called attention to high concentrations of fungicides used on peaches, pears and grapes. These chemicals are applied post-harvest to prevent molding, resulting in residues that can be difficult to remove through regular washing. These fungicides may disrupt hormones and have been linked to neurological impacts, thyroid issues, and potentially increased breast cancer cell growth in lab studies. What's the Right Way to Wash Fruits and Vegetables Before Eating?
The release of these lists serve as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding pesticide use in agriculture and the need for consumers to make more informed choices. They also underscore the need for a holistic approach to health and longevity. That's precisely what I highlight in my latest book: 'Young at Any Age: Secrets to Slowing the Aging Process' - a thought-provoking, literary excursion that will resonate with those looking for internal youth amidst a prematurely aging society.
