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Go Green, Eat Lean |
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It seems that these days everyone is trying to go green. Sustainability of products or services sustainable means that we meet our current needs while ensuring that the earth's resources are still available for future generations. Americans have begun incorporating this attitude into many aspects of our lives from using natural cleaning products, driving gas-efficient cars, to recycling our waste. But what about the foods we eat?
Eating healthier and eating greener go hand in hand to promote a low carbon lifestyle. The problem is that America's diet is denser in fossil fuels than in most nutrients. About 19% of the total greenhouse gas produced in the US each year comes from our food systems-from growing and transporting foods, through processing and manufacturing, to food preparation and disposal. It is possible to "eat green" and eat lean without increasing your carbon footprint. It is simply a matter of watching what you eat and avoiding waste. Here are a few simple tips.
Buy Locally and In Season:
Forcing food to grow out of season and then transporting it from across the country or across the world requires a steady stream of fossil fuel, which is damaging to the environment. Buying locally produced foods means that your foods are fresh and flavorful, you know where your food comes from, you are supporting your local community and the food probably costs less. Look for foods that are produced near your town or at least in your state, do some shopping at a local farmer's market, join a food co-op and do some research online to find out what foods are currently in season.
Eat Vegetarian at Least One Day per Week:
Substituting vegetables, legumes, nuts, chicken or eggs for meat and cheeses will not only cut the fat and increase the fiber in your diet, but it will decrease the carbon impact on the earth. Ruminate animals emit methane gas. Plus, the fuel required to produce their food and grow the animal itself makes meat and cheese high carbon choices.
Avoid Processed and Packaged Foods:
Foods purchased in their natural state reduce the requirement for fossil fuel to process, refine, package, transport and store them. Drink tap water. Buy your food in bulk and then portion it out into individual storage containers. This allows for portion control and utilizes reusable containers. And don't forget to bring your reusable shopping bag to put all your new "green" food in.
Cook at Home More and Eliminate Excess Waste:
It has been said that every American household trashes over one pound of food waste every day, not including composting or foods down the disposal. Save leftovers for later. Decreasing food waste in landfills also decreases release of methane gas over time. Put lids on your pots and fill your oven while cooking, keep your refrigerator full, and use the microwave oven more to utilize energy efficiently.
Article written February 2009
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