Food for thought, not the landfill.

I have been pondering over the recent months how to best weave the things I’m most passionate about (protecting the environment, cultural preservation, community empowerment, movement, etc.) into my profession. As our political leadership continues to make decisions that puts public health, environment, and disadvantaged communities at further risk, I realize I can’t just sit back and spend time sharing information about the latest diet trend. So as I continue to ponder how best to help turn the dial in a direction I would like to see our world spin, I leave you with this thought: Let’s make small steps so that collectively we can make a big impact!

This month, I ask you to think twice about throwing away food! Each time food is wasted all the resources that went into producing, processing, packaging, and transporting that food is wasted, too. Additionally, most uneaten food rots in landfills where it accounts for upwards of  25% of U.S. methane emissions. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that is 21 times more harmful to the environment than CO2.

Tips to help you not waste food:

• Don’t overfill your plate.
• Buy only what you know you will eat.
• Plan your shopping list before heading to the store.
• Eat the oldest produce in the refrigerator first.
• Get creative with the food you already have at home before buying more.
• When it comes to animal products, keep in mind what you're consuming was once
• alive. That turkey sandwich you throw out was once a turkey. I know that sounds harsh, but that’s my intention. I want us all to get more in touch with where our food comes from and to treat it with the respect and gratitude it deserves.

Thanks for reading, and please stay in touch!