Sustainable Food Tips

Avoid harmful pesticides and support farmers who help conserve soil and water by opting for organic food. Look for the label "USDA Certified Organic" at the grocery store to be sure you're buying a more sustainable product.

Once of the easiest ways to avoid wasting food is to make a point of eating meals from the previous day. Whether you pack them for lunch or reimagine them for dinner the following night, leftovers are our friends.

Make your meal with the planet in mind by choosing reusable containers, a cloth napkin, a stainless steel water bottle and non-packaged snacks like whole fruits and veggies.

Planning meals ahead and shopping with a complete list are surefire ways to avoid food waste—as well as impulse buys. Download an app on your smartphone to create meal plans and shopping lists on the go so you’ll always be prepared.

Support local farmers and reduce transportation emissions by joining a community-sponsored agriculture (CSA) program. You'll get a variety of fresh food on a regular basis and you might even be introduced to some delicious items you've never tried before.

Most grocery stores carry fresh produce, meats and dairy products along the edges of the store and place processed and packaged foods in the center aisles. Shopping along the perimeter of the store helps avoid product packaging and can also help keep your cart full of healthier foods.

In addition to composting, you can give your food scraps a second life with a bit of creativity. Chicken bones and some types of vegetable trimmings can be used to create a healthy bone broth, while overripe fruit can be frozen and tossed in a blender later for a delicious smoothie.

Enjoy the freshness of growing your food. Putting in your own time and effort helps you to appreciate the food more and waste less. Start with easy-to-grow veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, green beans and zucchini. Or, rescue some produce via a subscription box specializing in “misfit” or “imperfect” fruits and veggies.