How to eat more sustainably

One of the main goals of the CROPS program is to encourage a more sustainable food system within our community. Here are a couple steps to make your meals more eco-friendly.

1. Eat Seasonally: Eating food that is in season reduces the cost and environmental impact of transporting food many miles to reach your plate. The average food item in the US travels 1,500-2,000 miles to reach your plate. By eating seasonally you support your local food system and also will be eating fruits and vegetables that are fresher and vine ripened. Most vegetables are picked 2 weeks before they reach peak ripeness so that they can make their long trip to your fridge. Picking fruits and vegetables early reduces the nutritious value of the food. 



Growing your own food can really

 help decrease your ecological footprint. 




2. Eat Organic:  By eliminating the use of these poisonous chemicals in our foods and supporting farming that is more intune with the natural cycles and natural systems we can take a big step in being more sustainable.
3. Avoid foods that are overly packaged: Packaging and the containers accounted for  31% of the total waste generated between 2003 and 2005. By purchasing from Co-Op's or from farmers' markets we can significantly reduce the amount of waste we produce.
4. Grow some of your own food: Start your own garden and grow some food! This is one of the easiest ways to make your meal eco-friendly. Also raising chickens for eggs is another way to decrease your ecological footprint. 

A laying hen picking through a compost pile. 

Here are some helpful sites to learn more about eating more eco-friendly and what you can find in florida that is in season:
10 Tips for an Eco-friendly meal
What's in Season in Florida

Photos by Heidi Lellelid