Did you know that more than 70 percent of foods sampled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture contain pesticides? Pesticides can cause a lot of health problems and even more problems for our Green environment. We always make efforts to keep Mother Nature healthy, but what about ourselves too? Adding organic foods to your diet can help nature look greener and YOU feel more healthy and energized! The foods that are susceptible to pesticides and chemicals—even naturally—are, unfortunately, our favorite fruits and vegetables. The Environmental Working Group made a list of what they call the “dirty dozen,” or produce that should be bought locally. Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes make up the list. The demand has grown tremendously for organic foods, and many stores now supply them. So how is organic food grown differently? The main difference is that these foods are grown with no chemicals or pesticides or, with a limited amount of approved fertilizers. Unlike private gardening, organic food production is a heavily regulated industry, with many countries, including the United States, requiring producers to obtain special certification based on government-defined standards in order to market food as organic within their borders. Treating animals with care; not treating them or the food they eat with chemicals; and water conservation are among other traditional organic farming practices. Because of these practices, many people believe that organic foods make for a cleaner and more eco-friendly environment! How do you garden? Let us know by commenting below.