Go Green At Dinner: Benefit Your Health and the Environment

Go Green at Dinner: A Guide to the Most Eco-Friendly Foods

Posted on Feb 2, 2014 in Sustainable Living & Sustainable Lifestyle by Chris Keenan 0 Comments

Eco-friendly foods are more popular now than ever before. Chances are, your local grocery store has a nice selection of organic products. However, if you are committed to living a green life, it is important to note that some eco-friendly foods are better for you and the environment than others. The following information will help you the next time you head out to the grocery store.

Go Green at Dinner By Shopping Smart

When you leave your house, make sure you take reusable shopping bags with you; this simple step benefits the Earth more than you may realize. After all, plastic bags are not biodegradable, and millions of barrels of oil are used each year as part of the production process. When you get to the store, keep in mind that some foods are more eco-friendly than others. In general it is best to purchase items with minimal packaging. You also want to stay away from processed foods; if it came out of a factory, it probably isn’t that good for you.

Add Garden Peas To Your Diet

One of the most eco-friendly foods, garden peas make their own nitrogen, essentially fertilizing themselves. In addition, once the peas are harvested, they leave behind nutrients in the soil. Thinking about how you can use more of these vegetables in your monthly meal plan is a healthy and environmentally sound choice.

Eat More Fruit

Oranges, apples and pears are all considered “green” foods because they don’t need much water to survive. Oranges, in particular, are an excellent food choice, as they only use up about 55 gallons of water per pound. Apples and pears need about 20 more gallons per pound than oranges, but they still consume much less than other foods, like bananas or rice. One benefit that pears have over apples is that pears become ripe after they are picked, which means that quick transportation is not typically necessary.

Snack On Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein, which means they are a healthy addition to any diet. In addition, they have a minimal impact on the Earth, as the amount of greenhouse gases they produce is much lower than beef, cheese, eggs and even potatoes. However, be aware that peanut butter has a higher carbon footprint than regular nuts because of the processing involved.

Consider Amaranth

Although most people have never heard of amaranth before, it is an incredibly healthy grain filled with nutrients and protein. It is eco-friendly because it can grow in just about any soil conditions, and it doesn’t need a lot of water to flourish. It may be difficult initially to figure out how to incorporate amaranth into your meal plan, but it should get easier with time.

Going green at meal time can be a little overwhelming at first. After all, it often seems easier to hire outside professionals, like Town & Country Pest Control, and ask them to provide green services in lieu of making personal changes yourself. However, if you do your best to select eco-friendly foods, you really can’t go wrong. In addition, focus on using local ingredients whenever possible, and do your best to eat all of your leftovers rather than throwing them away. You’ll feel better about how you are feeding your family, and your carbon footprint will shrink, too.