Organic
Yep, I know! I never thought that I would be the one to fall over the edge and yet…there I went! I have started switching some of what our family eats over to organic. Call it one of my goals for the new year but I just really felt the need to learn more about organic foods and what is best for our family. After some research and a lot of speaking to those who have gone partial to even whole heart organic I felt like I had just enough information to be dangerous. 
I feel like there is probably a line out there somewhere with spending vs. benefits but I am not really sure where that is. I decided to start slow or big depending on just who you talk to in our family. It definitely impacts the wallet a bit as the hubby has noticed but I do think that he is pretty on board which is encouraging! He loves me a lot!!! I decided to cut back as many of the hormones that I could from our kiddos. We have switched milk, eggs, beef, chicken and yogurt. I hope to switch butter and cheese someday but for now the price is just such a huge difference that I am not sure that works for us just yet. Hopefully over time our community will have more organic products to offer and that might help the price out a little. I do have concern for all the not so lovely pesticides on the fruit and veggies as well but I am going to just take this slow and see where we go. It is amazing to see what all is in our food these days those little hidden things…who knew they were there. Who knows where these choices will lead our family or if they will even have an impact on their health but I am just trying to get the most information that I can and make wise decisions for us. Plus I have to say that I think that the organic items that we have tried so far even taste a little better…I think hubby thinks that it is all in my head, but wherever it is I like that it taste a little better! 
Yea Joy! Welcome over to the “green” side. We did the same thing at our house and have been easing ourselves into it more and more. It is certainly a budget buster but as a Mom it makes you feel so much better about what you are feeding the kiddos. Try Jennie-O frozen Turkey burgers. I don’t think they are truly “organic” but I think they are “all natural” and the family is hooked on them. Also, the Boars Head deli meats are all natural and all too expensive but that deli chicken is incredible. My kids have a harder time with the organic/wheat pasta but yours are younger and don’t know any different. Go for it! Kashi cereal is another winner.
Comment by Kim Jewett — January 23, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Joy,
Right after you told me you were switching over some foods, Publix announced they will no longer have the bioengineed rbST hormone in their milk. I had been going next door to CVS to buy my milk (I discovered it’s about 30 cents cheaper), but I just might switch back to Publix. Hopefully some others will follow suit!
Comment by Becca — January 23, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Another organic wannabe convert!!!! Kevin will be delighted to hear there is someone else on the bandwagon as he thinks it is just us shelling out all the extra money!
I am with you on the cheese thing. It is way to expensive here too unless I troop down to the Whole Foods which I try to only do once or twice a month as it is a huge blow to the budget as things just happen to fall into the cart that are irresistible to me but not great for staying on budget. To much temptation!
We are also switching out all our sippy cups to ones that don’t contain the harmful chemicals in the plastic. Have you read about that? All of this stuff is pretty scary and it is so hard to know where you are being overboard and where you are being smart about it. Keep us up to date on your thoughts on the whole thing, as I am just starting to figure it all out too!
Comment by Christy — January 23, 2008 @ 11:42 pm
What an interesting post. I’m trying to make important changes like this in my household too. It’s hard to keep up with what’s safe and what’s not.
Have a great week.
Comment by Lisa — January 24, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Hi Joy! We’re doing that as well – little things here and there
Cleaning agents are my thing right now… trying to find good ones that are organic yet effective. I’m looking into organic cotton to use for some products and am amazed at what is out there! Good luck with everything! ~ Kris
Comment by Kris — January 24, 2008 @ 10:41 pm
Joy,
I try to do organic when I can. I make my babyfood from organic produce and whole grains. I feel like I’m doing a little better for my baby.
Comment by Jennifer — January 28, 2008 @ 12:30 am