The Environmental Working Group (EWG) studies and documents environmental issues that may impact human health. The “Dirty Dozen” are the produce foods that have the highest concentration of pesticides in them. Sometimes this is because these foods are heavily sprayed but it may also be because the thinner skin produce items tend to absorb herbicides and pesticides more readily. The “Clean 15” are foods that tend to be less toxic. So, if you can’t or don’t want to buy 100% organic, the clean 15 foods are okay to buy conventional whereas I always recommend making sure the foods on the dirty dozen list are organic.
Even the clean 15 foods to contain some pesticide residue. One way to reduce the consumption of pesticides from these foods is to rinse them in a 10% vinegar solution before preparing them. Of course this doesn’t remove pesticides from the inside of the food but it does considerably reduce the levels of toxins on the surface of the foods. Vinegar solution is more effective than water alone, soap and water, or most veggie washes sold in grocery stores.
These lists do not include animal products which I always recommend organic whenever possible. Conventional meats, eggs, and dairy products may contain antibiotics, hormones, and in general have lower nutrient profiles than otherwise identical organic products.
For a long list of organic restaurants in Santa Cruz County check out the Santa Cruz Organic Dining Guide.