Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, I challenge you to incorporate greener, plant-based foods into your diet. Eating greens is not only good for your health, but is also better for our environment. Double bonus! Here are five easy ways to be greener and eat greener:
1) Eat greener. Focus on increasing your consumption of green foods, such as leafy greens, fresh vegetables and fruits. Work on trying a new fruit or vegetable weekly. My favorite greens to have with meals include asparagus, artichoke, avocado, Brussels sprouts, broccoli rabe, green beans and zucchini. For snacking, I love to have edamame, green grapes, cucumber, green peppers and green apples. The simple act of eating greener will help you eat cleaner! What green fruits and vegetables can you add to your meals and snacks?
2) Eat local. Visit your local farmer’s market for fresh produce. This is a great way to support local farmers and your community. By eating locally you are also helping the environment because it reduces fuel for transporting. Check Local Harvest to find organic food grown near you. Another great option is to join a local community-supported agriculture program (CSA) or food coop. This is a great way to eat local, support local farmers, and ensure that you get a variety of produce that you may not usually purchase!
3) Grow your own. Start a garden and reap the benefits of Mother Nature all year round! Start with herbs, a tomato kit or any of your favorite produce!
4) BYOB. Bring your own bag! When grocery shopping, bring your own bags or reuse bags from previous shopping trips. Remember the saying, “reduce, reuse, recycle”!
5) Reuse. Another way to cut down on plastic waste is to drink tap water instead of purchasing bottled waters. Bottled waters are expensive and require a lot of plastic and transport. Tap water is readily available and already safe to drink. For a more cost effective alternative, purchase a filtration system for your tap water and refill your BPA-free bottle throughout the day.
How can you add a little green to your life this Earth Day?!
