AN ORGANIC DECISION

Buying all organic all the time isn't always an option for most consumers. But sometimes buying organic means making the healthier choice. Enter The Dirty Dozen and The Clean Fifteen.

No, they're not the latest incarnation of the 3 Musketeers but rather a list compiled by the Environmental Working Group distinguishing the worst pesticide offenders in produce from the cleanest. The handy lists were created to help consumers know when it's necessary to buy organic and when it's not. So here for you, are the 12 best reasons to shop at your favorite local farmer's market - whether it be North Park Farmer's Market or Adam's Avenue Farmer's Market - and what you should be buying organic:

celery
peaches
strawberries
apples
blueberries
nectarines
bell peppers
spinach, kale and collard greens
cherries
potatoes
grapes
lettuce

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If you can't buy organic, or if you're just looking for the cleanest options out there, here's The Clean Fifteen. The top 15 produce items that tested with the lowest to no presence of pesticides. And remember, it's always a good idea to wash your fruits and veggies when you bring them home, no matter the source. Washing produce lessens exposure to potential chemicals and pesticides. Check out the full list here:

onions
avocados
sweet corn
pineapples
mango
sweet peas
asparagus
kiwi fruit
cabbage
eggplant
cantaloupe
watermelon
grapefruit
sweet potatoes
sweet onions