Top 5 Reasons to Go Organic

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, "Organic food is produced by farmers is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations." Basically, if a food is certified organic its been inspected and approved under the USDA's guidelines by a government-approved certifier. If a product is organic certified, it cannot use most conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, bioengineering or irradiation (also known as "ionizing radiation" or "cold pasteurization").

Here's the top five reasons to buy and eat organic food:

1. Tastes better -- less chemicals means more flavor

2. Healthier option -- you won't consume pesticides, carcinogens, or other harmful substances

3. Support local farmers -- many small, local farmers embrace organic farming

4. Conserve energy -- less traveling, less and less resources are used to produce organic food

5. Protect resources for future generations -- from soil contamination to hormones, by going organic now, we can ensure we leave a sustainable environment for future generations

While these are only five reasons, there are many, many more. I realize that sometimes organic can mean more expensive. That said, it's important to shop around, use coupons whenever possible and make sure that the item you are buying is truly organic. You need to make the right choices for your family.