Green Living Tips: The Foodie

Food is a huge part of everyday life, so adding green-living practices to mealtime can make a big impact on yourself and the environment.

Eating

Mindful eating means knowing where your food comes from. The key is prioritizing produce and cutting back on animal products — like meat, dairy and eggs — as livestock production requires much more food, water and energy use than it takes to produce plants.

Sustainable plant agriculture (like low-carbon production and avoiding pesticides) and animal agriculture (like buying local and considering the health and well-being of the animals) leads to a healthier life and greener lifestyle.

Cooking

Processed food has added chemicals and other harmful factors — transportation, preparation and packaging — that negatively impact the environment. Homemade meals give you more control over your choices — starting with local, eco-friendly ingredients, and ending with how much food you waste.

Food waste accounts for about 21% of landfill volume. As it spoils in the heat, it releases harmful gases that negatively impact the environment. Whittle down the waste in easy ways like using every part of the vegetables (think broccoli stems) and composting leftover scraps for your garden. Read more about how to eliminate food waste in this blog.

Serving

Dish up a side of sustainability at every meal — including what you eat on and how you serve it. Since your dinnerware comes in direct contact with your food, choose chemical-free and non-toxic options.

Go a step further with recyclable, American-made and eco-friendly dinnerware. Wood, bamboo or recycled-glass materials are great options, but don’t stop there. Also look for renewable materials when it comes to cutting boards, placemats and more.

Storing

Use reusable bowl covers or organic cotton wraps like these instead of plastic wrap. For storage containers, skip the plastic variety and opt for recycled glass or stainless steel.

Storing food properly is important — but knowing refrigerator duration times for freshness maximizes food safety and quality. Fish should remain in the fridge no longer than two days, while meat should be eaten between two and four days after being stored. Remember, produce lasts much longer and is better for your body and the planet. Check out the expiration dates for all your favorite foods here.

When it comes to food, use sustainable practices for the health of yourself and the planet. Come back for the next post in our series — green-living tips for people working from home.