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Saturday, November 24, 2012

Changes in the kitchen

By: Angela Chambers

Making environmentally friendly choices is often about taking an extra moment to consider how our decision will impact tomorrow. The fast-paced lifestyles create a sense of urgency for instantaneous decision-making leaving little time to consider doing things better. In an article written by Nancy Peterson of Kansas State Resource and Extension, she states, "Sustainability simply means meeting our own needs without compromising the needs of future generations, including our children and grandchildren." So what does the impact look like?

See below or visit http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/eat-smart/ for a visual illustration of the carbon footprint consumers are making:



What are specific changes we can make?

*Buy and eat less red meat. TIP: We can save 3,000-5,000 gallons of water for every pound of beef we avoid.

*Choose nutrient-dense foods in their most natural, unprocessed form

*Explore our community and near geographic location to learn more about foods that are grown locally -- or within 50 to 100 miles of our home

*Once home from the store, put away perishable items first. Store staples in a pantry or cool, dry place, and rotate stored foods with consideration for use-by dates to reduce waste

*Plan meals and snacks for a week at a time; review recipes and make a list of ingredients needed, and compare the list of ingredients needed with ingredients on hand before shopping

*Make a shopping list; take it with you and stick to it

References:
Peterson, Nancy. (October 15, 2012). “Eco-Friendly Choices Can Trim Food Costs, Boost Food Quality and Health.” K-State Research and Extension. Retrieved from http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/news/story/ecofriendly_choices101512.aspx

The Daily Green: http://www.thedailygreen.com/weird-weather/weather-categories/global-warming-pictures/carbon-footprint-of-food-0717
 Earth Save: Healthy People, Healthy Planet: http://www.earthsave.org/environment/foodchoices.htm
 Meat Eater’s Guide To Climate Change + Health: http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/eat-smart/

 

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