Do you know what goes into your food? Bite into a pear from a standard supermarket, and you could be consuming more than 20 potentially dangerous chemicals.

Modern agriculture has made great strides in producing enough crops to satisfy demand, but food companies often use pesticides and chemicals that can harm you and the environment. It’s no wonder consumers are seeking healthier options.

Organic farming practices produce crops and raise cattle and poultry without relying on chemicals. Farming the natural way also helps encourage soil and water conservation.

Organic foods provide more nutrients, minerals and vitamins than food grown in large commercial farms. It tastes better, too. Look for organic fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and dairy from local farmers, markets and co-ops.

Luckily, you can shop green even when you’re in your local supermarket. Products with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic seal provide assurance that the foods are produced without antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bioengineering.

One more thing: Don’t forget to take along reusable tote bags to the grocery store and skip the plastic bags.