How do you choose organic food?

I am quite a bit frustrated about how regulations here in the US regarding organic foods are not as stringent as those in, say Scandinavian countries or New Zealand. Isn't it supposed to be one of our fundamental rights to know that the things we are being exposed to are healthy, wholesome and uncontaminated?

I am quite meticulous when it comes to buying food. But aside from cleanliness, one of my other concerns is price. I'm quite sure there are other ways to eat organic without having to shell out so much cash. I know it's investment on your health and all but there should be ways how to do it in a frugalista way. My friend wrote an article about how budgetarian organic can be possible. Quite an old entry but here it is :D http://blog.babyganics.com/green-lifestyle-tips/555/

I'ts a matter of pure choice and I believe that producers market in such a way that it's confusing for us to choose what organic foods we want. Take for example organic eggs. I was so confused about the issue I decided to construct my own chicken coop and raise my own birds because I was so sick of the whole thing. The produce is amazing and well worth the work put in to get results, however this kind of thing is not for everyone.

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I agree Jennifer. Come to think of it, buying and eating organic is already a health investment in itself because by avoiding junk early on in your life, you can help prevent the nasty and unhealthful effects these food would have had on your body later in life. A few cents or dollars really doesn't matter because if you can cut down or eliminate foodstuff like chocolate or chips or whatever, this extra money would just be offset. Meat too is more expensive than veggies and fruits and Americans tend to eat of the former in amounts that are way above the recommended daily intake.

Poultryark, I want my organic chicken eggs from hens raised freerange. That farming method is better for both the environment and the chickens themselves.