It doesn't have to be all or nothing. Even if you can't buy 100% of your food organic, it's still worth your while to splurge on key items. The secret, explains Fallon, is buying organic where it counts. Since chicken and pork are usually grown in total confinement, for example, it's probably worth it to pay extra for the organic versions; beef and lamb, on the other hand, are still grown at least partially on pasture—so they are good conventional choices for shoppers trying to keep costs down.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great resource. The nonprofit research organization publishes a list of fruits and vegetables with the most and least pesticides, so you'll know which ones to buy organic, and which conventionally grown ones are okay when the organic version is cost-prohibitive or not available.