As the economy spirals downward, seemingly out of control, people everywhere are cutting back. We’re cutting down on driving to save on gas. We’re cutting out luxury items. We’re not buying meat. So it seems like kind of an odd time to tout the benefits of organic foods, which have a reputation for costing more than their pesticide-laden, nutrient-lacking counterparts. But I think it’s never okay to eat pesticides that are going to contribute to your demise, and we all do it without questioning a single thing we put in our mouth. You wouldn’t knowingly spritz fertilizer on your salad, and yet all those vegetables have more than you even want to know about.

I invite you to consider moving away from the dark side and start eating an organic diet. And I have some tips on how to make it less of a crunch on your wallet and more of a boon to your health.

First, shop around. If you walk into your local grocery store and see that grapes are $9, relax. Check out the competition to see if there’s a better deal. Planet Green did some comparison shopping and found that sometimes, organic is even cheaper than non-organic, and that prices can vary significantly in different stores. Look beyond your grocery store to a Costco, Wild Oats or specialty store. You might be surprised at what you find.

Another suggestion is to buy your store’s brand. Even Wal-Mart has gotten on the organic train and sells organic food with its own label and a lower price than brand names. Your store’s brand has to go through the same certification process to label their stuff organic, so you shouldn’t worry about substandard quality.

Farmer’s markets are another great way to buy organic and maybe save in the process. Plus, you get the added benefit of knowing you’re supporting your local economy and your local farmers. Buying local – whether organic or not – is a great way to support the environment, too. Since your food doesn’t have to travel, gone are the emissions from the tractor trailer that might be hauling produce across the country. No travel means your food is fresher, too.

Wherever you buy, and whatever the label says, buy during the peak of the season. Fruit and veggies are always at their cheapest when they are most plentiful. Buy in bulk during those times of year, and then freeze whatever you can’t use right away. Frozen fruit is great for pies and smoothies and other desserts, while frozen vegetables can be heated any time, adding some color and taste to your meals.