Most people would love to buy “green” or “organic” foods, but choosing organic foods can be a pricey proposition. If you think your budget cannot afford 100% organic, here is some simple advice on making the most of your GREEN GROCERY dollar:

Eat organic at the top of the food chain: Livestock eat pesticide-laden feed and are dosed with antibiotics and hormones. This all of this ends up in the package at the super market. There is no way to remove or reduce the contaminants. Purchasing organic dairy, egg and meat products is a great place to begin.

Avoid the following unless they are organic:Pesticides levels vary in produce. The Environmental Workers Union found that you can reduce risks of pesticide exposure by as much as 90 percent by avoiding what they call “the dirty dozen”. Here is the list: Apples, Bell peppers, Celery, Cherries, Grapes (imported), Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach, and Strawberries. If your budget is demanding conventional purchases, you might want to make sure on the clean list: Onions, Avocado, Sweet Corn (frozen), Pineapples, Mango, Sweet Peas (frozen), Asparagus, Kiwi, Bananas, Cabbage, Broccoli, and Eggplant.

Buy Organic on sale: Take advantage of supermarket deals and coupons. The savings from one coupon can often equal the price difference between organic and conventional (the stuff with the pesticides) foods.

Buy Private Label: A store’s own brand is often a good deal and are on sale frequently. Many stores have their own organic brand of juices, soups, sauces and other edibles. Look for these to save $$$.

Explore the Bulk Aisles: The bulk bins are not just for hard-core hippies. Bulk foods are more affordable than the pre-packaged foods such as pastas, cereals, nuts and spices. If you shop this aisle in the supermarket, you’ll save a bunch.

About the author: Cheryl Tallman is the co-founder of Fresh Baby, creators of the award-winning So Easy Baby Food Kit, available at many fine specialty stores, BabiesRUs.com, Target.com and national chains including Whole Foods Markets. Visit Cheryl online at www.FreshBaby.com for more delicious tips.