“Going green” is becoming a pretty commonplace phrase these days, and it seems that it’s becoming the trendy thingto do.  Many of you may have already made some changes with the environment in mind such as opting for reusable bags over plastic ones, unplugging electrical appliances when they’re not in use, and stretching a tank of gas as far as it will go…all simple steps that really do make a difference for the environment!  But now it’s time to dig deeper and find even more ways to make a difference.

“Whoa there…I’ve already got enough on my plate.  I don’t have time to make more changes that don’t directly benefit me!” –says the casual reader.

I hear you.  But this is where you’ll want to listen up and take notes: Greening your diet does more than just help the environment, it helps YOU too!  By trying the following tips, you’ll create less waste, lose a few inches off of your waist, and save some of your hard-earned dollars all at the same time!  Since when did sustainable living ever sound so fun?

Limit Your Intake of Red Meat

Red meat isn’t so great for you and it isn’t so great for the environment either.  Beef can contain high amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart disease and obesity. Dietitians recommend that red meat intake be limited to no more than twice per week.

On the environmental front, it’s been estimated that the livestock sector accounts for 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions and cattle is the biggest contributor.  The carbon footprint of 1 kg of beef is four times higher than that of pork and more than 10 times higher than a single kilogram of poultry.  The reason for this huge difference is that cattle eat a lot of food and produce a lot of methane gas (aka they pass a lot of gas!).  I know this may sound funny, but I’m being serious here…the high demand for beef in our culture has led to a huge population of cattle that are bred to satisfy our hunger and their methane gas emissions are a huge contributor to our greenhouse gas emissions.  Cutting down on your intake of beef could cut as much carbon as leaving your car at home a few days a week.

Be a Vegetarian for a Day

While the carbon footprint of cattle is highest, the carbon footprint of all animal products is higher than their vegetarian counterparts.  Animal products are excellent sources of protein, but they aren’t the only way to get protein in your diet.  Beans, nuts, seeds, tofu, and whole grains are some of the many vegetarian sources of protein.  These are also important parts of a healthy diet that is low in fat, cholesterol, and calories, and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  There are no disadvantages to foregoing meat on a regular basis and there are tons of advantages to squeezing more fruits, veggies, and whole grains into your diet, so try passing on the animal products for at least one day a week.  You’ll be doing yourself and the environment a favor!

Try Some of the Local Cuisine

Foods with the smallest carbon footprints of all usually come from places close to where you live.  These foods haven’t had to travel very far to get from the field to your plate.  Locally grown food is usually better for you because it’s fresher too!  Consider a tomato picked from a farm in your town versus a tomato grown in Chile.  The locally grown tomato can be picked at its peak of ripeness and appear on your plate in as little as one day whereas the Chilean tomato must be picked weeks earlier and has to travel on a refrigerated plane, train, or automobile before it can get to you.  The nutrient level of a freshly picked tomato is also much higher than that of a weeks-old tomato that was picked prior to ripening.  And don’t even ask me which one tastes better!

Farmers’ markets are becoming increasingly common these days and, unless you have your own garden, they are the best option for finding locally grown food at reasonable prices.  You’re also supporting your local economy and you’re able to get to know the people who grew your food, so it’s a win-win for everyone.  If you want to take it one step further, try planting your own garden or even a few pots on the porch.  Canning and freezing the fall’s harvest can help to stretch your locally grown food into the winter months when fresh produce is out of season.

Pass on the Processed Food

The carbon footprint of processed foods is quite high because each individual ingredient must be transported to the factory where the processing takes place. Once there the product itself needs to be produced and packaged, then the final product must be transported to the store where you buy it.  This whole process is very energy driven.  In addition, processed foods are often full of sugar, sodium, fat, additives, and preservatives…not the ingredients we should be aiming to put in our bodies on a regular basis.  A better choice for you and the environment would be to opt for whole foods that have been minimally processed such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Passing on processed foods more often will do your pocketbook a favor too as they tend to be more expensive than fresh foods.

Opt for Organically Grown Goods

Organically grown foods have been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients. This is good news for us since we don’t really want to load our bodies up with foreign chemicals that we aren’t designed to process.  The build up of these chemicals in our bodies has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers, birth defects, nerve damage, and other health problems.  While there are many experts who claim that the levels found in our foods are safe, there are others who cite scientific evidence suggesting otherwise.  There are still a lot of questions out there about the safety of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, but there are no questions about the safety of organically grown foods.  Thus, whenever possible, I recommend opting for organic.

Another plus in the organic column is that, when tested, many organically grown foods are shown to have higher nutrient profiles than their conventionally grown counterparts.

Organic farming practices promote soil fertility, minimize soil erosion, encourage water conservation, and reduce pollution.  Not only do they produce a healthier product for you, but they help to maintain a healthier Earth too!

Eat In

This tip is guaranteed to save you money since eating in almost always costs less than buying ready-made food outside your home.  Use your kitchen and your Energy Star rated appliances to produce healthy meals that don’t require a pizza delivery man or a trip to the drive-through.  Take this one step further and pack your own lunch, make your own coffee, and bring your own water.  You’ll be cutting down on waste by using your own reusable lunch box and Tupperware containers, your own coffee mug, and your own reusable water bottle.  You’ll also have better control over your diet which is always associated with a trimmer waistline!

Waste Not, Want Not

You’ve probably heard your mother or grandmother utter this phrase before, but have you ever really thought about what it means?  As defined by The American Heritage New Dictionary: “If we don’t waste what we have, we’ll still have it in the future and will not lack it”. When considering our relationship with the environment this phrase takes on new meaning.  If we all try to waste a little less now, maybe one day we (or our future generations) won’t lack basic necessities such as good food and clean water.  By living mindfully now, we’ll treat our Earth better and ourselves healthier.  Go green, save green, and get lean!