Best ways to be sustainable in 2021

April 22, 2021
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Happy Earth day 2021! It has been a rocky road but we’ve made it. We can all agree that in the past year we have experienced so much trauma, emotionally, mentally, financially, and physically! Indeed we are all in use of some healing but we are not the only ones experiencing trauma at this time.

Much like society, Our planet is going through some changes; changes brought on naturally as well as through variants caused by us and our decisions. Between wasting resources and polluting our air with greenhouse gases we have done a number on our Earth mother. In our journey back to normalcy maybe we should make decisions that not only can better our health but improve our environment. Besides, healing works best when you focus on all areas of health including environmental.

Rome wasn’t built in a day so NO, you don’t have to make this HUGE transformation of self and become this perfect beacon of light however, small changes here and there could make a huge impact. Since we are all foodies in this community I would like to focus on how we could make these changes from the kitchen (you know, the place where you feed your soul).

Sustainable foods

Healing starts from the inside so it is important that you are only fueling yourself with quality ingredients. Besides purchasing from sustainable companies and local growers, you can stock up on these sustainable foods listed below:

Beans beans are one of the most sustainable protein sources available. Swapping beans for other proteins could potentially achieve up to 74% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Potatoes potatoes produce a natural pesticide and fungicide which in turn reduces the need for harmful chemicals and synthetic compounds. They also require a fraction of the water, fertilizer, and resources of other plants for growing. They can also be stored for long periods of time.

Broccoli like potatoes, broccoli produce their own natural pesticides.

Beyond Meat beyond meat uses 99% less water, 93% less land, produces 90% less greenhouse gases, and uses 46% less energy than traditional meats.

Mussels mussels can be produced sustainably. In fact, most are farmed using long lines strung out in water. The harvesting of mussels do not result in large amounts of by-catch or destruction to coral reefs.

Organic leafy greens leafy greens are easy to produce in large quantities while taking up minimal resources.

Rice rice is easy to grow and typically does not need much water. It is easy to cultivate, cook, and can be stored for long periods of time.

Sustainable products

Food storage - ditch the plastics and go with glass, aluminum or compostable. If you are going to reuse and need to microwave, go with glass. The aluminums are good for things that do not need to be reheated. If you want a 1 time use go with compostable.

Organic cotton towels - use this in place of paper products. They are reusable, sturdy, and so much better on the environment.

These are just some small tips you can try. Some of the suggestions may seem like a larger investment up front but you end up saving money on the reusable quality and you feel good!

During this time of healing I think a holistic approach is fundamental to ensuring a more complete and long lasting result.