[Rocky Road]

Hi,

I am curious to know how many families choose not to eat organic fruit and veg, and the reasons behind their decision. I did a search on this topic and found a discussion with a lot of people who DO eat organic, and not many who don't.

I have always bought conventional fruit and veg for my family. I do worry about pesticides and have often considered switching over to organic, but two things always stop me; 1: organic is so much more expensive than conventional and 2: organic is almost impossible to buy at regular supermarkets.

With the cost and difficulty buying organic produce, I can't be the only one sticking to conventional? Are there any others here who DON'T buy organic produce? Does it worry you or are you comfortable with your choice?

ETA - I'm relieved to see there are many others in the same boat as me, who don't buy organic. And I do agree, I would absolutely buy organic if it was more readily available and comparable in price. If only it were that easy!!!

This post has been edited by Rocky Road: 19/12/2011, 03:49 PM

[Polly Esther]

Cost.

I would be much more likely to purchase organic and free-range meat than I would fruit/veg. I don't care about how the fruit/veg is treated like I do the animals I eat.

I cannot afford to spend several more dollars per kg just to get organic.

[red door]

I don't choose NOT to, but rather only choose TO, when its cost effective. I will buy organic as a preference when it is near or equal to the cost of regular...but if the prices were the same I would eat all organic. I don't see why anyone would choose to buy chemically treated foods if they were the same price as organic. thats not logical.

as I don't eat much meat, I tend to only buy organic/ free range meats and chicken. I am not having to buy it each day so I can afford the few extra dollars to get the better meat. I actually don't find it that much dearer. Aldi now do a ever growing range of organic which is pretty much in line with regular goods. thats great, although I wish I could get local and organic easier and cheaper. Thats my ideal, to have a greater range of locally grown, certified organic produce to purchase within my means.

This post has been edited by red door: 19/12/2011, 03:29 PM

[JustBeige]

Cost.


Like RD, if the cost was the same as 'normal' I would buy it.

[Guest_- beach_baby -_*]

Because its almost non exsistent where I live.

I buy my fruit and veg from the farmers market and im hard pressed to find organic produce there.

I have seen a few items at Coles but they come in extra packaging (not good for the environment and the cost) and are usually not fresh and very expensive.

I dont worry about it because I have bigger things to worry about. Id rather eat a apple that wasnt organic than no apple at all because there is none in the shops.



This post has been edited by - beach_baby -: 19/12/2011, 03:29 PM

[countrymel]

I buy local. I buy in season. (I also grow much of my own.)

Usually that means what I buy is organic but sometimes it isn't. I'd still prefer the spuds from the paddock down the road - even if I 'm not 100% sure if he sprayed or not - than an 'organic' potato that has been transported 1/2 way across the country.

[ubermum]

*I am not convinced that there is that much of a difference in terms of health benefits.
*cost.
*availability.

[lozoodle]

Cost and convenience.

And really, I don't care if something is organic or not.

[futureself]

I buy my fruit and vegetables from a local market. It's not 'organic' but is local, seasonal and fresh. This is the best balance for me in regards to ethics and price and if this choice didn't exist then I would source local organic instead. As PP said, I don't have the same level of concern regrading the ethical treatment of my fruit-stuffs like I do my meats so choose to prioritise that.

[Guest_Spring Chickadee_*]

I try to eat organic as much as possible but the unconvenience is what gets me.

I don't buy my whole weeks groceries in one go as My and Dhs plans change so much with work (may end up missing dinner or eating out) and I like to cook based on what I am in the mood for. therefore I stop in and grab groceries most nights at our local supermarket. they don't stock many organic veges unfortunately.