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Perhaps because of its broad influence, food consciousness has grown in recent years: from an escalating interest in gourmet cooking, to the vogue of local cuisine, to the resurgence of gardening, to the popularity of farmers’ markets. Our decisions about what’s for dinner have socio-political, environmental, local, global, and personal implications.

This guide serves up tips on ways to reduce your food choice impacts on the planet, your community and your health. Bon appetit.

Eat Food, Mostly Plants
Getting back to a diet of whole foods, and increasing the percentage of plant-based foods, is likely to boost your health and reduce your food footprint.
Mother and child picking potatoes at farmers marketEat Locally
Eating locally reduces the carbon footprint of your food choices, supports local farmers and food producers, and often reduces your consumption of processed foods, promoting healthy eating of whole foods in season.
red stainless steel bottleGrow Some Food
Growing your own food is an empowering, economical and sustainable way to reduce the carbon footprint of your food choices, and to improve health by increasing the amount of fresh and whole foods in your diet.
vegetarian business lunchCompost Your Waste
Composting is the best, easiest, and least expensive way to build healthy vital soil in your garden.
office yogaPreserve For Winter
Storing for the winter is one way to support local farms and extend your supply of good local food. Purchase in bulk at the peak of the season when flavours are best and enjoy the food all year round.
office yogaReduce Packaging
Reducing the packaging your food comes in can have a big impact on your overall household waste. The less plastic, cardboard, Styrofoam and paper wrap around your food purchases, the lower your carbon footprint.
office yogaEat Meals
Eating meals is a cornerstone of community – a step towards a greener life worth cultivating.
office yogaLearn to Cook
Learning to cook is an important way of re-establishing a link with the real living world, reducing waste, and taking a step towards a greener home.
office yogaPractice Energy-Efficient Cooking
Some cooking methods are more energy efficient than others. Choosing the best one for each situation can reduce your energy bill – and might increase your cooking repertoire as well.

Last Modified: Sep 2, 2010

 

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