5 Simple Sustainable Food Tips

Posted on August 24, 2015

We’re approaching harvest season here in #YYC, which is a great time to talk about food sustainability. Making green food choices not only helps out the environment, but our health and local economy too!

 1. Canning & preserves: With the short growing season in Calgary it can be hard to eat local all year long. Preserving some of that local produce purchased at farmers' markets, or grown yourself, stockpiles you with ingredients for the colder months. Take a workshop (like the one we're running Sept 26!), or find good DIY instructions and get canning!

2. Bread making: Bread is often a staple in our homes, but did you know, instead of buying store-bought bread, it can be easy to make a healthier, tastier and greener loaf at home? Experiment with some recipes, or join us at one of our upcoming bread-making workshops!

3. Supporting Local Farmers: Supporting local farmers helps the environment by reducing transport emissions and improving the local economy. Check out the last of the season's farmers' markets this Sept, or grocers such as Amaranth Foods, Sunnyside and Community Natural Foods.

4. Buying Organic: When you can't buy local, consider buying organic produce when you can! Certified organic produce doesn't use any chemical pesticides that can harm our health and ecosystems. Grocers such as Amaranth Foods, Sunnyside and Community Natural Foods have great selections.

5. Eating Less Meat: Did you know that it’s possible to save more water by not eating a pound of beef than not showering for 6 months? And that meat production is responsible for 51% of global greenhouse emissions? While it may be difficult to convince your family to go vegetarian all the time, consider making 1 day a week a meatless one. We can help with our yummy#meatlessmonday recipes posted on our Twitter and Facebook accounts every Monday!

For more easy tips you can employ in your everyday living, check out our online Sustainable Food Worksheet or book a Green Tea. And don’t forget to compost any scraps, so your leftover food can be used to make new food (composting doesn’t happen in the landfill.) We have a composting workshop coming soon, too!