10 Ways to "Green" Your Diet

© kthread

These are as green as they should be. Are you?

Most of us grew up in a time and place where you could eat Cocoa Puffs, wash them down with whole milk, and then play with the toy prize for a week before throwing it out, without thinking twice. Your Cocoa Puffs may be a thing of the past, but you're still not sure how to eat – right – for right now. We're here to help. Here are 10 ways to eat right - for you and the environment.

1. Eat Organic When You Can

You've heard it again and again. You should be eating organic food. It's not just better for your health, it's better for the environment too. Organic farming is easier on the soil, the bodies of water that surround a farm, and the animals that live (and work) around a farm – namely, bees. And we need the bees to stay healthy so they can keep on doing what they're doing – pollinating the plants that grow the foods we eat.

2. Stay Away from Processed Food

The basic rule for avoiding processed food is to avoid the interior sections of your grocery store all together. This may sound impossible. So instead of doing that, just read labels. If something contains hydrogenated oils or "high fructose corn syrup," stay away. As a basic rule of thumb, try to choose packaged foods that have as few ingredients as possible, make sure that the ingredients are natural, and don't be fooled by a product's packaging – just because it says it's "natural" doesn't mean it is.

3. Head to the Farmer's Market

By buying produce grown close to where you live, you're helping to support small local farmers while also eating food with a decidedly lower carbon footprint. (It takes less energy to get that locally grown cabbage to you than it does to get you one grown in California.) And, when you shop at the farmer's market, you're naturally avoiding food that lives in packages for months and months before it's consumed.

4. Or, Grow it Yourself

Start a little garden in your back yard (or in containers, if you live in an apartment). There's no place more local than your back yard.

5. Veg Out

See how the other half lives by trading your fish, chicken, pork or beef for a meatless meal. It takes less energy to produce grains, legumes and vegetables than it does meat (because the animals that are destined for your pot roast have to be fed, and housed and that takes a lot of space and time and energy) so reduce your impact by taking a day (or two) off.

6. Eat In

Save money and energy by cooking, and eating, at home.

7. Drink Green

Go for an organic glass of wine or bottle of beer. Or, choose organic mixers when shaking up your favorite rum drink.

8. Eat Fish Off the List

Thanks to some overzealous fisheries, and hungry sushi fans, your spicy tuna roll is being fished out of existence. That doesn't mean you have to stop eating fish altogether. Just download up a copy of the Seafood Watch Guide and order the fish that are plentiful.

9. Take Only What You Need

Portion size isn't just for dieting anymore. When you eat less you use less. So buy, and use, less meat, less eggs, less vegetables, and you'll reduce your impact on the soil, the atmosphere and the livestock that feeds you.

10. Share with Friends

Have a little extra? Don't throw it out! Share that leftover soup, stew or casserole with friends, or take it to the neighbors and make some more friends!