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25 Ways to Eat More Ethically

  • Yasmin Coles
  • March 12, 2011

We all want to eat what’s best for us because we want to be healthy and we want to see certain results like losing a few pounds. But being consumers do not have to be determined by what can be good for us. Eating ethically, as you should know, can also bring the outcomes you want for yourself. Call ethical eating as plus points to your karma as a consumer. When you eat ethically, the greater amount of good ranging from the interests of farmers to the welfare of animals also extends to what also matters: your

1. Eat what you will only eat

Many food waste studies show that American households toss out a significant amount of their foods. From leftovers to unopened packets to spoiled food, it seems easy to dispose of these foods because there seems to be many of them. Being an ethical eater factors in the fact that there are millions of people who cannot afford to have a proper meal per day. It is also a fact that having those food on the supermarket shelves already takes a lot of energy and resources. Value your food by eating only what you can and you will. Remember, waste not, want not.

2. Learn where your food comes from

In this day and age, food can come from almost anywhere and you will be surprised where a substantial amount of food actually comes from. Many produce are grown and gathered through slavery. The meat on your plate might come from an unethically treated animal. Making smart choices when purchasing can already contribute to a cause that prevent these unethical practices from taking place.

3. Buy fair trade

Buying fairly traded food means supporting the interests of farmers or those who actually grow the food. These interests include getting paid with fair wages and being part of a system where the value of the food actually goes back to those who plant and nurture them.

4. Eat less

Not only will eating less prevent you from wasting food, you will also cut back on the calories. Take note that eating less does not mean you have to starve yourself; it is about determining the right amount of food to consume which can make you feel a lot better.

5. Grow your own food

Growing your own food will not only cut back on food expenses but it will also give you the opportunity to eat food that is fresh and grown organically.

6. Eat more natural food

As we continue to live in a just-add-hot-water and just-press-the-microwave- button culture, we overlook the importance of eating natural food. Always grab the opportunity to eat something natural and you can prevent any side effects of eating processed food.

7. Start composting

Although composting is not exactly an act of consumption, it is a relevant practice especially as to what to do with your food. Composting extends the life and value of your natural foods by turning them into something useful for the soil.

8. Learn how to plan your meals

Meal planning is a great way to prevent any wastage, control your food shopping, and define your diet.

9. Assess your pantry

Evaluate the contents of your fridge and your kitchen cabinets and you’ll know what you’re actually eating. Is your pantry full of junk foods and other processed products? Now it’s time to re-strategize your shopping strategy.

10. Avoid genetically modified foods

Even though the world of food is grateful to the wonders of science, genetically modified food is a questionable contribution science has created when it comes to augmenting our food supply. As long as we have traditional sources (and we always will), avoid GM foods.

11. Go beyond the brand ” read labels

As consumers living in a competitive market, we tend to have short attention when it comes to making purchase decisions. Even though we have heard of the “most trusted brand”, this does not give us the excuse to skip on the label. Always read what’s on the label and you decide if this food’s contents are something you want to trust your health on.

12. Choose ethical restaurants

Many restaurants are now becoming more active in the entire ethical consumption dynamics. Choosing ethical restaurants means you are guaranteed with the best sources and foods that are grown organically, sustainably and ethically.

13. Eat seasonal foods

If there is a good reason why foods grow in different seasons it is because they are best to consume depending on the time of the year. Eating and buying foods in season means consuming what is plentiful thus we prevent any wastes and we take advantage of what nature is currently offering.

14. Eat at home

When you eat at home you get to value the joy of making the food in the comforts of your own kitchen. It is also less expensive and you actually get to consume what you purchased.

15. Buy organic

Buying organic may be expensive for some, but this is a good habit one must adapt. Buying organic means ensuring the quality of the food and that the company that grows it believes in the importance of producing green products.

16. Volunteer

Volunteer in causes that promote sustainable eating to animal rights. Make time promoting these advocacies or you can start sharing in different social networks the importance of eating ethically.

17. Not all produce look perfect — eat them anyway

We sometimes skip on certain produce because the skin has a nick or there is a discolored portion. Remember that not all produce look perfect. The skin may indicate the state of the food but that does not mean that the whole produce should end up in the trash.

18. Cook simple dishes

The best thing about simple dishes is that they are easy to prepare, they require common ingredients, and you avoid making mistakes. And they’re tasty as well.

19. DIY some of your food

Have you always wondered when is the best time to make your own preserves and other stored food like jarred and pickled vegetables? The best time is always now. Not only you get to experience how to actually make these yummy foods you will also get to take advantage of whatever’s in season.

20. Minimize the fast food

Of course fast food is always convenient, but becoming a regular customer is also a way to express that you are supporting the business. Minimizing the fast food is a great lifestyle change — and you get to change your eating habits for the better.

21. Eat more plants

Maybe going meatless is hard for many of us but this does not give you an excuse to skip on the vegetables. This is probably the best way to define anyone’s diet: an eating habit that is leaned towards eating more “plants€. Many animal rights advocates will be grateful — and you also get to eat healthier food sources. Call it a win-win situation.

22. Support charities

It is always great to give back to the community. If you have leftovers, re-make them and turn them into yummy leftover dishes that you can donate to charity. If you feel like there is too much food in the pantry, give them away to those who will actually eat them.

23. Visit and support local farms

Have a useful educational trip for a day or two and look for local farms that are open to the public. This will give you an idea how beautiful and valuable food is especially in its basic form.

24. Consider frozen

Although we advocate for eating natural and fresh food, there are some instances when frozen food is not that bad an idea. Remember that it takes time and great distances to transport food that generally makes any food item carrying a substantial carbon footprint. This explains why it is always best to buy your food from local producers.

25. Eat raw

The raw food movement may sound so 90s to some but eating raw is a great way to consume a substantial amount of nutrition from what you are eating. Eating raw also means taking less energy to make food thus your meal minimizes the amount of energy used when making that simple meal. Simplify your lovely meal by chopping up fresh vegetables and fruits for a nice fresh salad.

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