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5 Simple Ways to Getting Greener
Today, you see phrases such as "eat green" or "go green" almost everywhere. Although it may seem repetitive, there are reasons behind these friendly reminders. Mainly that eating green is healthier for you. Think more local products, more organic goods, and more fruits, vegetables, and foods packed with nutrients instead of added sugars, fats, and chemicals. But, not only is living the green life healthier for you, it's better for the planet. It can help cut down on pesticides, overfishing, and fossil fuel use and slow the depletion of the ozone.
Basically, getting greener is all around better for your body and our environment. And simple everyday changes can make a difference.
Check out our top 5 Simple Ways to Getting Greener!
1. Eat more plants! Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lentils all stem from the ground and require much less energy to produce than meats. This is great for the Earth, since eating these plant-based foods helps reduce the production of greenhouse gases (i.e. carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, etc.), which does not fare well for the Earth's environment or our bodies.
- Try making one dinner per week meat free.
- Start with kid-friendly tacos! Replace the meat with beans and bring on the veggies and whole grain tortillas!
- Add veggies or beans to soups, casseroles, and pasta sauces.
- Focus on whole grains, fruits, and veggies at meal times and treat meat as the side.
2. Buy locally! Shopping from your local farmer decreases your foods' travel time and chemical coatings, such as pesticides and insecticides. Additionally, your local farmer is likely to use sustainable, Earth-friendly farming methods. In the end, you get fresher food packed with more nutrients and the Earth is spared chemicals and waste-a win-win situation.
- Start by making the farmer's market a fun family outing!
- Choose locally grown foods at your grocery store.
3. Plant a Garden! There is nothing more eco-friendly than cooking food straight from your own soil. Plus, you will know that your produce is chemical free, home grown and required no fuel to arrive in your kitchen.
- If you don't have any space for a garden, buy small pots, good soil, and plant your favorite herbs! Say, If you don't have any space for a garden, buy small pots, good soil, and plant your favorite herbs! Say, "Hello herbs!" and "goodbye salt!
- Read our interview with TV host and expert gardener, joe gardener ®, for tips on gardening with kids.
4. Eat What Is In Season! Not only are seasonal items easier on your budget, but they are better for our planet-simply because they have trekked less mileage to make it inside your reusable, Earth-pleasing grocery bag. If you're having trouble deciphering what foods are in season, take a look at the produce being showcased in your produce section. It's likely in season.
5. Go Organic! Buying organic foods reduces the amount of chemicals used to grow food, which make Mother Nature happy. However, buying all organic foods may not be so kind on your budget. When you can, opt for organic. But, if you would like to stick to the "organic basics" try and buy organic versions of the most pesticide-ridden produce-aka the "dirty dozen." The dirty dozen includes: (starting with the worst): peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes, pears, spinach, and potatoes.
- For the full story on organic and local foods, read our interview with national organic expert, Chris McCullum-Gomez.
Corinne has a BS in Nutritional Sciences from Boston University and is currently working towards her MS in Nutrition from Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She is also in the process of completing her dietetic internship at Tufts Medical Center's Frances Stern Nutrition Center. Come June 2010 she will be a Registered Dietitian. You can find Corinne at www.GreenGrapesBlog.com writing about nutrition, food, and wellness.
