Consuming whole foods not only feeds the body with top nutrients but also protects the environment. For example, just across the river from Portland in Vancouver, WA, the average family produces about 45 pounds of recycling each week! According to a spokesperson at Waste Connections, the majority of that is food packaging - bottles, cans, containers and boxes.
Implementing a few simple strategies and adopting a whole foods diet, one that consists primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts and healthy oils, can greatly reduce your footprint on the planet.
... Shop at farmers market and food coops for live, fresh, local foods
... Consider starting a veggie garden
... At grocery store chains, shop primarily in the produce section for foods in their natural state
... Get your grains, seeds, nuts, pastas, cereals, and herbs in the bulk foods section
... Eliminate or limit your use of processed (boxed, canned, bottled or otherwise packaged) foods
... Prepare meals at home from natural wholesome ingredients
... Invest in a lunch bag and a wide-mouth thermos to pack a variety of homemade lunch options
... Keep a personal bowl, cup, and utensils at the office instead of using disposable paper goods
... Invest in a quality, high-speed blender that does quadruple duty as a blender, food processor, smoothie maker and juicer to simplify home food preparation
... Take your own bags to the market (including recycled paper bags)
By following these easy steps and others, you'll find you are not only improving your health but producing far less waste of time, money and resources! Being healthy includes honoring the impact of the lifestyle choices we make.
If you need help pulling together your plan for positive impact, consider contracting a Portland or Vancouver health counselor to help you.
Comments
These are great suggestions. Thanks.
Wow! I hadn't put the use of multiple packaged foods together with creating more waste/trash. Junk in equals junk out. Thanks for opening my eyes. You've given me something to think about the next time I go grocery shopping.
Brenda: Love that wording ("junk in equals junk out")! For some reason we don't make that connection. What do you know? Living off the earth, saves the earth!
Sakinah: I am so glad you find these ideas helpful. Please let us know which ones you are able to implement or if you come up with others.
45 pounds of recycling! Oh my gosh! I do know that I get tons of junk mail that I throw out and each week it's a nice big bag just for that alone! - NY DVD Examiner
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