Why You Should Care About Sustainability

By: Nikki Nies

I’ve always cared about executing sustainable living and eating practices. Even though I never referred to my abhorrence to food waste as the desire to have more sustainable practices implemented, now that I know I’m not the only one that feels so strongly regarding food waste, I’m definitely on the campaign to provide and utilize more sustainable foods and practices. In regards to nutrition, sustainability is important as dictates nourishment.

Sustainability is more important than ever as such farming techniques and practices protects public health,ecosystem, communities and the welfare of animals. Additionally, such practices allow us to provide the most healthful food without compromising the future.

Unless you’re a farmer yourself, the best way to contribute to sustainability efforts is to eat sustainability!

How to implement more sustainable practices:

First, assess your current eating practices. How do you obtain food, where do you shop? How much food does your family purchase on a weekly basis? How much food do you have to throw out at the end of the week due to spoilage? By answering these questions, this is a great starting point and you can decide from here what changes you want to make!
Shop locally: Due to the increased demand and favor, more and more farmer’s markets are popping up in local neighborhoods. Support these “neighbors” of yours, which helps keep the market in your community!
Add a garden, pots, herbs and/or plants to your property! By getting your hands soiled and in the trenches of the freshly grown produce, pun you can really reap the benefits the earth has to offer! Pun intended! This will also give you a better appreciation and pride in what you are able to grow yourself!
Get to know foodhandlers, local farmers and supermarket employees: They have insider info on what’s the best crops last year vs. this year! It’s also not a bad idea to initiate conversation to learn more tips and/or local resources!
Learn or refresh your memory of what it means to eat in season! You’ll be guaranteed to be eating more fresh, sustainable foods!
When possible, limit purchase and consumption of bottled water. Instead, invest in a filter and/or reusable water bottle!
Evaluate your grocery list and/or store: When possibly, opt for minimally processed foods and ingredients. In addition, buying in bulk can help keep costs, packaging and waste down!
Keep your reusable bags in the car so you’re more likely to remember to use them while shopping!
Additionally, keep a traveling mug with you every where you go! You’ll be surprised how much plastic you can preserve when you ask the barista to fill’er up instead of using the designated plastic and cardboard!

By implementing small, sustainable changes in your household can make a world difference for you, your family, friends and the future! Have any additional tips that you’ve adopted over the years? What makes you passionate about our planet and the future?

Sources: http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442477592

http://www.nativeenergy.com/sustainability-tips.html

http://www.deq.state.or.us/programs/sustainability/10ways.htm

http://www.csw.ucla.edu/publications/keep-it-green-tips-for-sustainability

http://www.units.miamioh.edu/sustainability/tips

http://sustainability.georgetown.edu/newstudents/

http://www.yale.edu/yalecollege/international/sustainability/tips.html