Our food choices have a huge impact on our health and the health of the planet.
Adopting greener eating habits reduces our carbon footprint, improves our health, tastes better and can save money!
Eat organic
Organic fruits and vegetables taste better, reduce your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals and reduce your carbon footprint. Artificial fertilizers and pesticides account for as much as 40 percent of the energy costs in our food.
Eat in season
Eating in season means that you eat only the freshest, most delicious foods. True, eating in season means no strawberries at Thanksgiving, but the anticipation makes them taste all the sweeter in the spring.
Eat grass-fed or free range
Switching to grass-fed or free-range meat and dairy products is healthier for you. Grass-fed beef is lower in saturated fats and higher in Omega-3 than its industrial farmed counterpart. In addition, grass-fed beef uses less fuel and fewer antibiotics.
Eat less meat
Reducing meat, eggs and dairy in our diet can make a big difference in our energy consumption. Eliminating one pound of industrially produced beef saves as much energy as driving your car for an hour while leaving all your lights on at home.
About the author: Deb Dean is on the board of the Green Earth Institute, a nonprofit focused on nutrition education. The GEI runs a CSA program in Naperville currently providing about 650 families with fresh, organic, local produce. Visit greenearthinstitute.org to find out more.
