No doubt you’ve heard the phrase “You are what you eat.” The food we eat not only affects our own health, but also that of our planet. The business of agriculture is energy intensive. It takes massive amounts of water and energy to produce the food that we eat. With widespread droughts and other threats from climate change, it is important that we are conscious about our food consumption and the effects it has on the planet.

Individuals make changes to their diet every day to improve their health, but we forget our health also depends on a healthy planet. Here are some tips on how to eat right for yourself and the earth:

Eat more veggies. Whether you choose to practice this for just for one day, such as Meatless Mondays, or you commit to a vegan lifestyle, lessening your meat intake is good for you and the planet. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has estimated that livestock production is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases. This includes methane from animal waste, along with fertilizers and manure used to produce feed and the deforestation that comes with providing grazing lands. Always be conscious of what your body needs, while keeping the planet in mind. There are great recipes and restaurants to help you incorporate more veggies into your life.

Shop organic. Studies have shown that chemical farming uses considerably more energy per unit of production than organic farms do. These chemicals, such as nitrous oxide, not only emit greenhouse gases, but also create dead zones—areas in lakes, bays, and the ocean that are oxygen depleted because the excess nutrients run off into the water, polluting it. Choose organic food when you can. Since organic foods are grown in healthy soils, they are typically more nutritious, containing more vitamins and minerals. Organic farms also promote genetic biodiversity, creating less water pollution and soil damage. This is healthier for you, the farm workers, and the environment.

Buy local. The average meal travels around 745 fossil-fuel-burning miles before reaching your plate. Thankfully, farmers markets abound in our state. Buying local reduces the amount of energy used, lessens the greenhouse gases emitted during transportation, and helps to slow climate change, while also supporting local farms. Find a local farmers market near you by visiting Jerseyfresh.nj.gov.

Grow your own. There is nothing more rewarding than nursing a seed to a sprout. Gardening can be therapeutic emotionally and physically, and you don’t need to live on acres of land to begin a garden. You can start out small with a few pots of your favorite vegetables or herbs. Not only will you be provided with nutritious, organic food, but you will help provide oxygen for the planet and reduce CO₂.

Compost. Starting a compost bin is good for your garden and the earth. Composting reduces the amount of waste sent to the landfill, while making nutrient-rich soil for your plants and garden. Composters now come in all sizes, with many towns and community organizations hosting events to educate the public about home composting.

Don’t be wasteful. We tend to eat with our eyes. We put too much food on our plate or in our shopping cart. That is why close to half of all food produced worldwide is wasted after production, discarded in processing, transport, supermarkets and kitchens. Start small: You can always go back for seconds. It will benefit the planet and your waistline.

Small, gradual changes in your diet can go a long way toward improving your health and the health of our planet. Remember to make sure you do what is best for your body and your health while being conscious of the environment.

Nicole http://CleanOceanAction.orgDallara is the Outreach & Communications Coordinator for Clean Ocean Action, a broad-based coalition with headquarters in Highlands, NJ, whose mission is to improve the degraded water quality of the marine waters off the New Jersey/New York coast through science, law, research, education, and citizen action.  To learn more, visit CleanOceanAction.org; email Dallara at [email protected] or call 732-872-0111.