~3 Minute Read~
If you've been scrolling social media or watching the news lately, you've probably seen the recent conversations surrounding Driscoll's strawberries and pesticide concerns. Whether you've followed every headline or just caught bits and pieces, one thing is clear: more people are asking questions about what's on the food we bring into our homes.
And the truth is....while the headlines may be new, the discussion about pesticides certainly isn't.
For many families, the first piece of advice is, "Just buy organic."
But let's be honest...that's not always realistic.
With grocery prices continuing to climb, many of us are doing our best just to keep fresh fruits and vegetables on the table. If buying organic isn't in everyone's budget, that doesn't mean you can't take steps to help reduce surface pesticide residues. There are simple, affordable habits that can help...and every small step counts!
Simple Ways to Wash Your Fruits & Vegetables
Here are a few easy methods you can use at home:
Baking Soda Soak
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water. Soak fruits like strawberries for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under cool running water.
Vinegar Rinse
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Soak produce for 5–10 minutes, then rinse well with cold water.
Wash Under Running Water
Gently rub firm fruits and vegetables under cool running water. This simple friction helps remove dirt and may reduce some surface residues.
Dry Before Storing
Pat produce dry with a clean towel or paper towel before storing it. Removing excess moisture can also help reduce mold growth and keep your produce fresher longer.
What Are the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen?
Each year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes two popular shopping guides (which I've added the links for you to click):
The Dirty Dozen highlights fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher levels of pesticide residues after typical washing.
The Clean Fifteen lists produce that generally has lower levels of pesticide residues.
These lists aren't meant to scare you away from eating fresh produce. They're simply a helpful guide if you're trying to decide which items may be worth buying organic when your budget allows.
And if buying organic isn't possible? Don't stress. Washing your produce and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is still one of the best things you can do for your health.
It's About Progress, Not Perfection
At LEWA Candle Co., we believe healthy choices don't have to happen all at once.
Whether it's washing your produce a little more thoroughly, reading ingredient labels, or being mindful of the products you bring into your home, every small decision adds up over time.
That mindset doesn't stop in the kitchen.
It's also why we carefully chose the ingredients that go into our candles. We wanted to create something we feel good about burning in our own home, which is why we use a custom blend of coconut wax and beeswax, with natural & essential oils.
If you've ever wondered how different candle waxes compare...or why we chose coconut and beeswax over paraffin or traditional soy wax, you can read more in our blog, "Why Choose Coconut Beeswax? A Breakdown of Waxes."
**A quick note:** Washing produce can help reduce dirt, bacteria, and some surface pesticide residues, but it won't remove every pesticide. The goal isn't perfection...it's making informed choices that work for you and your family.