Eating Sustainable Food on a Budget
A huge misconception exists out there that only the upper-class can afford to enjoy seasonal, organic, local and ethical foods the majority of the time. Most people also think that these foods are only available in large metropolitan areas. They also think shopping for them takes more time. Although shopping for sustainable food can never be quite as easy as clicking on the internet for prepaid cell phone providers, there are so many resources and websites that offer tips to find cost-effective, sustainable foods.
People also have the misconception that purchasing sustainable foods means buying local and organic produce. But in actuality, you can find sustainable choices across all food segments, from pasta and cereal to grass fed beef and nuts and dried foods without chemicals. In general purchasing sustainable foods means finding the most natural foods that use the least amount of resources. These foods generally result in less harm to the environment.
It is here that you will find eight simple ways to spend less enjoying sustainable foods:
1. Eliminate processed foods from the diet: Although most people believe that processed foods cost much less than fresh, natural foods, they are quite wrong. When purchasing processed foods, more of your purchased dollars are going towards the food’s packaging than nutrition. Eating fresh foods might appear more expensive initially, but when you analyze what you are really getting, you come to find out otherwise. Fresh foods supply many more nutrients per weight. These foods are therefore much more nutrient dense, which means you are getting more nutrients per dollar spent. The best way to avoid purchasing processed foods is to shop the perimeters of the grocery stores and stay away from the aisles.
2. Eat what is in season and on sale: Always shop several grocery stores, farmers markets, or small local shops to find what’s in season at the best prices. Try to pick the fruits and vegetables instead of prepackaged selections that charge for the packaging and are not near as fresh. Often when a food is prepackaged, one fruit or vegetable will spoil and cause a ripple effect through the entire package. It’s a great idea to consult local farmers and compare prices with the bigger venues. Usually what is in season will be on sales. For example, apples in fall.
3. Prepare your favorite prepackaged foods: Most bakery items that you will find in the aisles can be prepared naturally from home. These items include waffles, granola bars, and pop-tart pastries. Preparing the times from home takes a lot of preparation, but is so cost-effective.
4. Buy in bulk: When it comes to staples like beans, rice, potatoes, and pasta, look for products that are at least made in the U.S.A. These are great products to purchase from bigger retails and shopper clubs.
5. Plant an herb garden inside: Planting an herb garden is a great way to use local products that you know what you are getting. Herbs are so expensive in stores, especially the fresh ones. They tend to spoil very quickly and come in such small quantities. Make sure that you choose a south or west window, plant annual herbs, and only mist them with water.
6. Eat out less: By eating at home the majority of the time, you save money on gas, other commuting, costs, and time scrutinizing the menu.
7. Eat less meat: If you are going to eat meat look for meet with less packaging and buy in bulk to reduce packaging to begin with. Try to stick with grass-fed and organic meat. Also, ask your local butcher to wrap the meat in paper versus plastic.
8. Buy select organic produce: As various websites indicate, try to only purchase organic items, where pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides can get through to the consumer. These include items like carrots, peas, and raspberries. The Environmental Working Group did identity fifteen items, where chemical exposure is minimal due to thick skins like sweet potatoes, onions, and watermelons. These are some of the items you can save money on by purchasing conventional variations.
The key is to not let these tips from overwhelming you. Most people would find it easier to slowly incorporate one or two of these tips at a time, until sustainable living becomes a natural part of one’s life. Sustainable living is not about eating tasteless foods, but enjoying foods that are good for the body and the environment.
