Saving the Earth at the Grocery Store
Food has been getting a lot of attention as of late. From popular documentaries to bestselling books, food has finally gotten the spotlight it deserves. After all, think about how much of your monthly earnings go to buying food; it’s a big part of our lives, our spending, and our net carbon footprint. Here are some ways to search out food that’s less energy intensive, to show producers that sustainable practices matter to you.
Buy In Season
Tomatoes in January? You can bet that those red fruits have been flown halfway around the world to get to where you are right now. Or, they were produced nearby, but with the help of many bags of fertilizer. Buying produce in season means you’re more likely to get food that’s been produced in a much less energy-intensive way.
Buy Organic Dairy
Switching to organic dairy isn’t only good for your health—it’s also good for the earth. Organic dairy means that no hormones or antibiotics are being administered to the animals (unless they’re sick, of course), and that less energy has gone into the production of these chemicals. Organic farms are also more likely to practice sustainable farming techniques, like reusing animal waste as fertilizer. You can use this search tool to find local, sustainable dairy farms.
Buy Local
Consider checking out your local farmer’s market, or giving a closer look to the source of that produce you’re picking up at the grocery store. Locally produced food needs less packaging to stay fresh in transit, and it uses less fossil fuels to get from the farm to your grocery store. Buying local also means you’re helping support the small farmers in your community.
Ask Questions
If you’re in doubt about the sustainability of a certain food product, take the time to ask the store clerk or manager crucial questions about any particular item. If you’re at the farmer’s market, you can ask the farmer a number of pertinent questions directly. The more you know, the more empowered you are to make food purchases that are better for the earth.
Check Out CSA Boxes and Food Co-ops
Community supported agriculture (CSA) programs let members of the local community form unique relationships with nearby farmers who practice sustainable and organic agriculture. As a member of a CSA, you help front the farmer’s seasonal planting costs and receive yummy produce in return; many CSAs deliver their weekly produce boxes directly to your door. You can find a directory of CSAs here. Food co-ops operate under a similar concept; they are stores run by volunteers who work with farmers to distribute low-cost, sustainable food directly to the public.
Sources:
Shop Sustainable. (2011) Sustainable Table.