Changing Your Eating Habits

Changing Your Eating Habits

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   Try eating less meat and dairy to help the environment. Domestic meat and dairy production requires a lot of natural resources. Eating less meat and dairy, and more plants, is one way you may be able to help the environment, and stay healthy yourself.^[22]

   • If you are advised to maintain animal protein in your diet, look for more sustainable practices such as localized farms, or learn to hunt responsibly.
   • Meatless Monday is a national non-profit public health campaign that encourages people to give up meat one day a week. Visit their website at http://www.meatlessmonday.com/favorite-recipes/ for some meatless recipes.^[23]
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   Brew coffee in a regular coffee pot or French press to reduce waste. Try to avoid drinking coffee from individual-serving coffee pods. The mini pods of ground coffee for single-serve coffee makers create a lot of extra waste because they are designed to only be used one time and then thrown out. (Although some brands may be recycled after they are cleaned).^[24]

   • Use a mug or other reusable cup for your coffee instead of a disposable cup.
   • If you love the convenience of single-serve coffee and have already invested in a single-serve machine, look for a washable, reusable coffee pod that will fit your appliance.
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   Buy your food locally to reduce pollution caused by transporting food. Transporting food from far-off locations takes a toll on the environment. Food must be shipped in trucks, by rail, flight, or by ship—all of which produce pollutants. Buying food that is sourced locally will help eliminate or reduce the environmental impact caused by transportation. It also goes without saying that local products are more fresh. Hence, they are higher in nutrient value. ^[25]

   • Visit farmers' markets to find local vegetables and fruits or use a CSA (community-supported agriculture) service to get fresh produce on a regular basis.
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   Don't waste food. Plan your meals so that you don’t cook more than you will eat. Store your leftovers and use them up at one of your meals over the next few days. If you do have an overrun of food, such as after a party, share it with friends or neighbors.