Hello

Labrnr

Hi everyone, I am a newbie to the concept of clean living.

I am making small baby steps to rid our house of toxins. 

I am wondering if anyone has advice to offer.  I live in a small community, 10000 people with the next major city being 4 hours away.  The 3 grocery stores in our community do offer some organic choices, and in the summer (3-4 months of the year) We have farmers markets where we can purchase fresh produce from local growers)

My question is:

1. How do I know if the organic products sold in stores are of good quality. ( I seem to remember watching a documentary on how organic food still has persticides as they are typicaly grown on the same farms as non-organic foods)

Does anyone have any tips to offer when choices are limited?

doglove

I'd make sure you buy products that are stamped by the USDA as certified organic. If your choices are limited, sometimes you can find organic produce/veggies and fruits in the freezer isle. I shop the frozen isle in the winter time for fruits like berries..

CDMay2006

doglove:

I'd make sure you buy products that are stamped by the USDA as certified organic. If your choices are limited, sometimes you can find organic produce/veggies and fruits in the freezer isle. I shop the frozen isle in the winter time for fruits like berries..

There are actually several other agencies that certify organic, and many people have more faith in those organizations (like Oregon Tilth).

I'm not really sure what the exact tenants of clean living are, but i'm thinking low chemical, local, healthful, ethical, whole?
Generally if the store is able to provide information about where it was grown (the  more specific the better), you are probably getting "cleaner" food. 
Smaller farms are better than larger farms, much of the time (even if not organic); this is especially true for animal-based products (meat, dairy). 
Also check out the clean 15/dirty dozen lists for when you're in a pinch and want some decision-making guidance.
That's all i've got right now.

Labrnr

Thank you both for great advice.

 

Daisy07gray

I look for the most simple products.  Basic soaps, cleaners, etc. I'd ask at each shop what is done to the produce.