Plant Based on a Budget

 Instead of purchasing all organic produce, we can save money and still reduce pesticide exposure by following the ‘Clean 15 & Dirty Dozen’ list. 

The Clean 15 refers to produce with the least pesticide contamination, while the Dirty Dozen details the crops exposed to higher pesticide use. 

When sticking to a budget, try opting for conventionally-grown items on the Clean 15 list, and prioritising organic produce from the Dirty Dozen instead. 

Visiting your local farmers market may also provide affordable access to organic or spray-free produce. 

Of course, growing a few herbs and veggies at home is always an idea too! And for those of us without a green thumb, the good news is your garden doesn’t need to be extensive - even just growing a few herbs on a balcony or windowsill can prove to be economical. If you’re feeling extra thrifty, you can even regrow many leafy greens, fruits or vegetables from your kitchen scraps.

So what about meat replacement products? Are faux meats necessary? While meat replacement products can be an easy go-to when first transitioning to a plant-based eating pattern, they don’t need to be a staple part of your diet. Satisfying, nourishing and budget-friendly protein sources can include lentils, beans, tofu or tempeh - all of which are generally more affordable than processed meat replacements. 

In summary, a plant-based diet can certainly be both affordable and nutritious! By prioritising organic produce from the Dirty Dozen list, opting for some frozen and tinned items and choosing whole food protein sources, we can shrink our grocery bill, reduce food waste and enjoy a variety of nutritious fruit, greens and vegetables daily.