If you love Mother Nature and fresh food as much as we do, you’re in luck!
With so much conflicting information out there about what we should eat for a better world, it can be difficult to focus and take action. We’ve set the record straight on how you and your family can live a more sustainable and healthy life, now and for generations to come.
Even by implementing just a few changes into your day-to-day can make a significant impact. Whatever way you choose to adopt eco-friendly habits, you’re doing amazing -- and we’d love to hear more about your eco-successes! Leave us a comment below and tell us your best tips and tricks for adopting eco-friendly eating habits.
Without further ado, let’s put in place some world-changing actions into our everyday lives!
Ban The Bag
A simple action gaining much traction in the mainstream media. Each time you head out to the supermarket, pop a canvas bag or two in the boot of your car so you’re always prepared to say no to plastic at the store. According to eco-warriors Greenpeace, plastic pollution -- mainly the plastic bags we use when buying groceries -- is destroying our vulnerable sea life. With us Aussies using over 4 billion plastic bags per year (yep, that’s 10 million PER DAY), our oceans are suffering as a consequence.
In a recent Change.org petition led by Channel Ten’s nightly news show The Project, three of our state Premiers were called on to ban the bag for good; it’s combating both “serious and avoidable environmental disaster” and you, too, can make a change.
Eat local
Wondering why local is so important, besides giving back to the local economy? Well, if you’ve ever done your research on where your food actually comes from, you’ll know that transportation of our fruit, veggies and other goods (especially when refrigerated) puts a great strain on the environment. Basically, by eating local, there’s less energy, emissions and food miles racked up due to our consumption. Winning!
Grow Your Own
Green thumb or not, growing your own produce is an eco-friendly way to feed your family. Head to your local garden centre or hardware store and stock up on the seeds and soil that will harvest into your meals. Even with a small space on an apartment balcony, it’s possible to build and grow a flourishing vegetable patch. And the taste wins out too -- pesticide-free, freshly-picked produce is easily more enjoyable than what you find in your supermarket -- trust us!
Eat In Season
Just like eating locally, seasonal eating has similar benefits. Fresher food all round! Added bonus: you’ll save coin, too! By shopping in season, you’re insuring your fruit and veggies will travel shorter distances to reach you and taste even better once they’re served up on your plate.
Summer is an incredible time of year for seasonal eating. Who doesn’t love a bit of cut up fruit in the sun?! Summer lovers, fill up your shopping cart with in season:
- Bananas
- Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, strawberries
- Honeydew, rockmelon, watermelon
- Peaches, plums
- Asparagus
- Beetroot
- Broccoli, cauliflower
- Celery, cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
Plus, by eating in season, you’re guaranteed to reduce your food wastage and contribute to a better world overall. Read our article on living a Zero Waste Lifestyle for more tips and tricks on how to live more environmentally friendly, in and out of the kitchen.
Eat Less Meat
Now you’ve got your list of seasonal fruit and veggies for the upcoming summer, let a few days of meat-eating go and add to the meat-free revolution.
Ever heard of Meatless Mondays? It’s a simple and extremely eco-friendly step into eating for a better world. The benefits of eating less meat far outweigh the negatives, and even cutting down your consumption a small part can make a difference to both the planet and you.
By contributing to a veggie lifestyle, you will:
- Make an impact on reducing animal cruelty (yay!)
- Save money by consuming legumes and tofu
- Reduce greenhouse gases and combat climate change (this one’s from former President, Barack Obama)
We’ve listed the easiest ways to a more eco-friendly lifestyle; give one or two a go, and before you know it you’ll be growing your own vegetables and eating less meat each week. Who knows, maybe you’ll even completely readjust to an eco-friendly way of life, starting with no more plastic bags!
