Top Four Eco-Friendly Eating Habits

In my fast food past, I always wanted to eat healthy, ecofriendly foods, but more often than not, I didn't. And it wasn't because I was a voracious eater of BicMacs or chili cheese fries (Ok, I still indulge a little.) It was mainly because of the way I shopped. Once I learned the basics of ecofriendly shopping, I quickly became an eco-food warrior on every trip to the grocery store, fruit stand and farmers market. Use these four ecofriendly eating habits and you'll be on your way to eating in a responsible and sustainable manner. And that's not only good for the planet; it's also good for you.

Eat Responsibly

According to a 2008 United Nations report, over 18 percent of greenhouse gases come from livestock. Even worse, livestock generates 65 percent of human related nitrous oxide emissions, which has 296 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. And that's just scratching the surface of the many problems mass production of livestock causes.

Ecofriendly Shopping Tip: Finding a local butcher is your best bet to getting local, sustainable meat. Ask your butcher where his meat comes from and how far it has to travel. You don't have to become a vegan, but reducing your meat intake is not only good for reducing greenhouse gases; it's also healthy for you.

Eat Locally

It's not just livestock that's best bought locally, it includes all products as well. By buying products from local vendors, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions through less shipping. On top of that, buying locally encourages your local economy; and that's good for everyone.

Ecofriendly Shopping Tip: Buying locally is easy when you visit produce stands, farmers markets and even the grocery store. Ask your grocer what products in stock are local. Chances are an entire aisle may be dedicated to just local products.

Eat Seasonally

Eating foods in season can be tough when shopping in the local grocery aisle. Just because those juicy grapes look good, doesn't mean they are in season and might have been shipped from thousands of miles away. Reduce ground, water and air transportation greenhouse gases by buying food that is in season.

Ecofriendly Shopping Tip: Farmers markets and produce stands are the best places to get in season food. Search the farmers markets and produce stands near closing times to get the best deal on local in season food.

Eat Organically

Most major shopping centers have organically labeled food. But don't be fooled by labels. Some products are mass produced, shipped from overseas or may contain preservatives. Look before you leap when buying any organic labeled food products.

Ecofriendly Shopping Tip: Check out brand name products online to find out if they are truly organic before you buy or if their label is just a wolf in sheep's clothing.

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