Yesterday we celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday (and my wonderful Grandmother’s, too! Happy b-day, Gram!). Today it’s time to celebrate the ultimate mama – Mother Earth. Every year on April 22nd we mark the birth of a modern environmental movement and are reminded how environmental concerns affect us all.
This year the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking the opportunity to remind all Americans that Food is Fuel, not waste. Check out what you can do to reduce wasted food in your home and learn more about sustainable management of food.
Join the EPA and all Americans this Friday and devote your 2016 Earth Day to eating smarter and wasting less. Check out a few food swaps that can make your kitchen or your grocery list more efficient:
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Fuel your Farmer
It’s springtime, so odds are your local farmer is planting, pruning and picking produce just for you. Go visit them at your local market and show them your support. Locally-grown produce is higher in nutrients than processed fruits and veggies, making for a healthier planet, healthier people and happier farmers. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bag!
Eat Less & Local Beef
Beef has one of the highest carbon footprints of all foods, according to the EWG. Buying local beef and meat helps to reduce fossil fuels and gives your farmers and butchers a boost. Speaking of boosts, go for grass-fed. It provides more omega-3 fatty acids and more vitamins A & E.
Swap Rice for Quinoa
Rice requires loads of fresh water for production. Simply switching to brown rice cuts down on processing, but a high-protein grain like quinoa offers even more health-promoting benefits. Shake it up with a little barley and corn for variety and color.
Skip White, Love Wheat
Since you’re swapping, make that final switch to wheat. Whole wheat is not only chock full of nutrients and fiber, but it also spends less time in production, meaning it requires less energy for processing. Better for you, better for the planet!
It goes without saying: Go Organic!
Just do it already. And don’t forget to check out EWG’s guide to eating smarter to learn how your food choices affect the planet.
Happy Eating this Earth Day!
