Monday, October 6, 2008

Keeping it Clean.....


I have mentioned before that I was going to go all organic, and, I meant it ,but I think I am finally there. It is all baby steps like you all know and now is the time for me. I don't know why I haven't taken the full plunge, of course other than the fact that it is expensive and not always easy to find, but, I feel much better now. I don't think I would have fully embraced it if Tate wasn't autistic. His tests show he is full of pesticides so if I am spending thousands of dollars on his Dr.s, why not a buck more a pound for apples? I tried the organic basket from Bountiful Baskets but was disappointed when my basket yielded 5 heads of ice burg lettuce and 5 enormous bell peppers to name a few. If I was going to spend the money, I wanted a little more variety. The local grocery stores are very expensive and they don't carry a whole lot. My little farmers market up the street carries some good produce but I wanted more. I finally tried out the farmers market on Friday mornings in Mesa. It is outside the Mesa Community Center on University and Center. I loved it. It is small but has what you need. The big booth is run by a farmer from Queen Creek. They had local pears, apples , potatoes and much more. I filled up my bag for only 10 bucks. I swear it all tastes so much better. My little boy loved it because they had baby goats there to pet. You just feel healthy being there. Next time I will need to bring my "going green" bags and wear my tie die shirt with my hemp beads. I was a little out of place. (I really don't have hemp beads or tie die shirts, I swear.) I have also placed my first Azure Standard order, see prior blog, and I can't wait to get my order. They have some great deals. I feel like with some good shopping skills and new shops, I can get my produce for not much more than what I am paying at the stores for the regular produce.
For any of you out there concerned about the pesticides but not quite ready to increase your grocery bill, here is a good spray to help rinse some of the pesticides off. I was given this by my friend, Abby Runyan. Thanks fellow organic Mommy!
1 c. water
1 c. white distilled vinegar
1 T. baking soda
20 drops grapefruit seed extract
Mix all in a big container then transfer to a spray bottle. Spray on produce and rinse well after 5-10 minutes.

7 comments:

Tiff Hunt said...

Just a question on the organic spray. Do you spray it on and let it sit for 5-10 minutes or do you rub it down for that long? Thanks so much for your awesome posts! I love reading them. I have learned so much from you! Thanks again!

Shari Goodman said...

Unless I am wrong, let me know Abby, just spray on and let sit for 5-10 min. When washing, scrub a little with a vegetable scrubber.

Angela said...

Where would you find grapefruit seed extract?

Adrianne said...

My friend and I have been going to the farmer's market in Mesa for about 5 months and love it. We never wear tie die but I do feel free to go there after my morning run without showering and primping beforehand if I don't have time before 9:00. Last week was the first week the lady with the fresh eggs and lotions and soaps made with goat products brought her goats so I wouldn't expect that every week. Anyway, because you are buying from a local farmer, you can only buy what is in season from our area...looking on the positive side of that, no need for inorganic fertilizers. So we are going back to the days when you couldn't eat strawberries year round but only when they actually taste the way they should!

Becky said...

Does this mean that, that produce spray FIT, is less than healthy for you?

Shari Goodman said...

Fit spray is better than not spraying anything but the ingredients used in the spray are derived largly from corn byproducts that are processed and sometimes genetically modified, not great for you. Who knows what else they have in there that isn't really listed. I would rather know what I am spraying and making it yourself is cheaper anyways.

Terri Burges Hirning said...

I need to check this other farmer's market out!!!