Monday Morsel: 5 Tips for Sustainable Eating

5 Tips for Sustainable Eating –  If you’re concerned about climate change, today’s Monday Morsel can help you make an impact with your fork.

Can you believe it’s June already? I don’t know about you but it seems that time is moving at warp speed these days. With all of the attention on climate change in the last week, it’s hard not to think about the future. You might be wondering how you can make a difference. Recycling is a good place to start but what you eat can also make an impact. And it may not be as hard as you think.

Here are five easy ways to eat clean and green at the same time.

1. Eat less meat. You know that you shouldn’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth but did you know that water is a huge resource in agriculture? Plant-based proteins like beans, peas, and lentils use less water than livestock, so choosing those more often is a more sustainable option and a boost to heart health too.
2. Use every part of the food. Get creative in the kitchen and use everything from root to leaf. Got ugly tomatoes? Use them for gazpacho or salsa. Shred or spiralize broccoli or cauliflower stalks to make a salad or add them to pasta dishes. Instead of tossing day-old leftovers, make it into another meal later in the week. Add leftover broccoli to a stir-fry or omelet.
3. Use the freezer. If you buy fresh fruits and vegetables and often find them wilted in the back of the fridge, buy frozen. Frozen produce (without anything added) is just as nutritious, and it’s ready when you are. Freeze extra loaves of sliced bread and use it for toast. Freeze chili and soup for quick meals later in the month. Slice and freeze overripe bananas or berries and toss them into smoothies, yogurt or your morning oats.
4. Pause the paper. Consider dining in or eating less fast food or takeout to reduce the paper bag and box waste. Skip individually packaged chips and cookies. Buy nuts and seeds in the bulk bins and portion them into reusable containers yourself.
5. Take inventory. Before heading to the store, look up recipes using what you already have on hand. And only buy what you and your family will eat during the week to help reduce waste.

What are your favorite ways to eat more sustainably? How will you get started? Try just one and let me know how it goes on Instagram or by simply replying to this email.

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Have a healthy and happy week!