Wondering about organic?
Buying 100% local and organic is optimal, but can be hard on the budget. Washing fruits and vegetables can remove 90% of the pesticide residue. on most produce. Another great way to reduce your pesticide exposure is by avoiding the most contaminated foods. The Environmental Working Groups created lists of the dirty dozen and the Clean Fifteen with most and least pesticides respectively:
The dirty dozen :celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, kale, cherries, potatoes, grapes, especially imported grapes.
The clean fifteen: onion, pineapples, avocados, .asparagus, .sweet peas, mangoes, .eggplant, kiwifruit, .cabbage, watermelon, sweet potatoes, .grapefruit, mushrooms, sweet corn (although sweet corn is usually genetically modified in the US so I avoid it)