6 Ways To Eat Sustainably And Why It Matters!

Calling all foodies! You should start thinking about the sources and sustainability of your ingredients when cooking and eating!

1. Say No to GMOs

First We Feast

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are basically known as organisms with unnaturally modified DNA. This may not sound scary, but the toxicity surrounding it is. The pesticides sprayed on these GMOs pose threats to surrounding wildlife like birds, bees and butterflies. If you’re still skeptical, the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study further emphasizing the harm that GMOs cause on animals, plants and ecosystems in the area.

2. Buy Local

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Buying produce and other goods from a farmers' market can help to save and promote family run farms. I visit the local farmers' market at Penn State and in my hometown of New Jersey. Just by talking to the local vendors and hearing what they do, I see what a difference my purchase makes on their life. The food they're selling at farmers' markets leads them to receive just about the full retail value, about 80 to 90 cents for each dollar the consumer spent. This profit generated at farmers' markets reduces costs associated with transportation, processing, packaging, refrigeration and marketing fees when sold across the country. Find a farmers' market near you.

3. Gluten-Free Isn’t the Key

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Society is becoming over-obsessed with cutting out gluten from our diets. Newsflash: only about 1% of people are diagnosed with celiac disease. 92% of Americans are NOT gluten-sensitive and don’t need to avoid gluten for medical reasons. Even though the statistics are so low, over 30% of Americans are jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon. Avoiding gluten in a diet is causing your body to lack the necessary nutrients like iron, calcium and fiber. The industry is also suffering with wheat flour consumption falling to a 22-year low, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. So go ahead and eat those carbs.

4. Respect the Animals

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Animals need to be treated with respect and care just like humans have that right. Sustainable farmers and ranchers raise animals on a pasture, enabling them to move freely and not suffer from any illness or stress that would be present in a confined and concentrated space. Sustainable farms rid waste in responsible practices which protects from exposure of hazardous pollutants and prevents pollution to the environment.

5. Prevent Harm and Health of Workers

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When you don't have the option to buy locally, make sure to look for "Fair-Trade" on the packaging. Fair Trade USA promotes safe and healthy working conditions for farmers while ensuring a fair price for their harvest.

6. It Tastes Better!

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Sustainable foods taste better. It’s true! Sustainable food is local; it doesn’t travel as far as most conventional food. Produce is picked closer to its peak ripeness, allowing the flavors to be super delicious.