The number one downside of organic pumpkins is cost. If you have more than one child or want more than one Halloween pumpkin, you’re going to end up shelling out quite a bit more if you go the organic pumpkin route. With this in mind you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons.
On one hand, pumpkins are lower on pesticides than many other veggies. On the other hand, they still have plenty and plus avoiding pesticides is not the sole reason to purchase organic. Supporting local and organic agriculture also means…
- Better health of farmers and farmworkers.
- Healthier rivers, soil, streams, rivers, and air.
- Healthier agriculture in general – “Two of the major herbicides used in pumpkins, clomazone and ethalfluralin, have either the potential to injure the crop being grown or cause severe injury to non-target plants.” Source.
- Reduced overall pesticides in our environment. Sources note that if every single pumpkin farm went organic, it would cut out about 400,000 pounds of toxic chemicals a year.
- A good lesson for kids about incorporating more green living into the holiday season.
- An overall greener Halloween.
What I think…
I think it’s smart to buy organic when you can; purchasing the worst toxic offenders first, and the least toxic after the fact. If you’re going to make pies, treats, or other pumpkin eats, absolutely aim for organic. However, if you can’t afford this one organic item, don’t let the guilt ruin your Halloween. There are bigger green concerns in our world than the shame of a couple of pumpkins – for example do you recycle all year? Unplug appliances? Teach your kids about green issues? That’s all way more important than a pumpkin.
If you still want an organic pumpkin…
If you really want an organic pumpkin, but can’t afford it try to cut other Halloween costs. Use recycled home goods for costumes, throw a potluck style party, make homemade recycled decor, give out fewer treats, and so on. Look for other ways to save on Halloween costs so that you can afford an organic pumpkin. Additionally go to a local farm not your Whole Foods or other natural market for your pumpkin. Local farms usually charge less for organic, plus you and the kiddos get to head out for some fun Halloween time at the farm together.
After weighing the options are you going with organic or conventional pumpkins this Halloween?
