First, we’re not scientists, doctors or professional shoppers. This is simply common sense. So here’s our common sense list of little ways to shop for and use some basics.
1) If we could buy 100% organic, we would. If you can, you should. Have you looked for organic farms in your area? There’s supposed to be an organic pig farm around here somewhere – we should take our own advice and find it!
2) Search for local-farms and/or local farm co-ops. This time of year in New England the only farm open (that I know of) is a buffalo farm about 40 minutes up the road. Well worth the trip. This summer we’ll buy a bushel of corn, cut the kernels off, and freeze in quart sized bags. Tomatoes? Wash, cut in quarters, freeze. You get the idea.
3) Grow what you can and don’t add fertilizers, etc. You can actually buy organic dirt and compost these days. (But is it dirt cheap? 
) Or keep a compost pile. Either way, even if you’ve only got room for some five gallon buckets on the back deck, grow something! Last year we had two containers of hot peppers, two beautiful tomato plants, and two buckets of cilantro. (The salsa was excellent!)
4) If you can buy a percentage of your groceries “organic” consider root vegetables (they grow in the dirt!), leafy greens (all those crevices for pesticides to cling to), and meats (hello! it’s meat! and we don’t need as much of it as we’re accustomed to).
5) All natural, hormone and antibiotic-free meat is better for you than anything not labeled “organic” or “all-natural, hormone and antibiotic-free”. We have good luck finding reduced price “manager’s special” all-natural meats, usually early mornings, at one local grocer. Always check the dates and buy the packages that are still good for a couple more days.
6) If you’re not going organic, use unbleached white flour. Unless you do a ton of baking, this will not dent your budget.
7) Raw sugar – at least in your coffee.
We all know to shop the grocery store outside-aisles-only, right?
9) Cook with color! If everything on your plate is a pale tan color, it is not likely to be a healthy meal.
10) Beans (legumes) are an excellent substitute for everything from sour cream (dips) to pasta (side dishes).
