I just looked back at my to do list and saw that the first note I have to write a post on “Eating Green” was back on March 11th – 13 days ago. Thirteen days of thinking, procrastinating and not writing. As I think about why, I’ve realized two things.
- Eating Greener is complex – There are many things to consider, tons of people weighing in on their point of view, and not always a clear direction on right vs. wrong.
- This is an area where my household is on the lighter green side of the spectrum – In many cases, I know how I could be doing better. However, life creeps in and being busy causes the “easy” route to take over. Actually, I don’t think the word should be easy, I think it should be familiar. I sink into habits that are familiar, and therefore, easier.
So, I hope this post doesn’t frustrate or discourage those who are really green in this area – you inspire me to keep going on my journey. For those just getting started down the path to eating greener, I hope my status helps you assess where you are and set some realistic goals for the future. Following the whole philosophy of One Shade Greener – your habits and decisions are yours. You need to discover the “shade of green” that works for you and push yourself when you can to just be a little greener than you were yesterday.
Here are the highlights of what I’ve accomplished in the food category in the last couple years and my goals for the rest of 2010.
I’ve done quite a bit to keep stuff out of landfills:
- Taking my own bags to the grocery
- Not using paper products when I have guests over
- Brewing coffee at home or taking my mug to the coffeeshop
- Buying and actually using a water bottle
- Recycling all the packaging (boxes, bottles, etc) my food comes in
- Packing my (waste free) lunch vs. getting carryout
With the food itself I’m good sometimes, not so good at others:
- Eating less meat
- Buying organic – sometimes, not always
- Planted a garden last year
- Made my own jelly when fruits were in season
- Shopping at Farmer’s Markets
In a food related area – I’ve also changed over my cleaning and dishwashing products to eco-friendly alternatives.
Looking at all of this written down, I actually feel better that I have made some significant strides. However, I guess I’m always noticing the things I’m not doing…
- I haven’t started to compost
- I don’t always by organic, fair trade, etc
- We’re still buying way too much processed food
- And, the list could go on.
So, for the rest of 2010, I have three green food goals.
- Keep up with all the green habits I’ve developed so far.
- Start a compost bin. Give it a try and see if it can work in our lifestyle. I want to try this soon so I might be able to use some of the “product” on the garden this year.
- Cut down on the processed food – Unrealistic to suggest that it will just disappear from our lives, but I’m going to do my best to bring in more natural products and less processed.
As you think about your eco-food habits, how green are you? What goals could you set for the rest of 2010 that would make you one shade greener?
I’ll continue to post ideas on the One Shade Greener Facebook fan page that will give inspiration to eating greener. If you aren’t yet a fan, here’s the link. http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Shade-Greener/128393111529?ref=ts
Happy Green Eating!