Sustainable Eating Tips
We all know that food is fuel, but it is also one of the easiest ways to minimize your environmental impact. As it warms up here in Northern Michigan, it’s the perfect time to embrace sustainable eating by visiting local farmers’ markets, shopping for in-season produce, and eating from your garden. In this blog, we will dive into how you can incorporate sustainable eating into your lifestyle while exploring the eco-friendly food habits of the world’s Blue Zones!
Why Eat Locally and Seasonally?
Eating locally and seasonally is more than just a culinary trend; it’s a sustainable choice that supports local farmers, reduces your carbon footprint, and leads to fresher, more nutritious meals. Foods grown locally are often harvested at their peak and don’t need to travel long distances to reach your table. This means fewer transportation emissions and less packaging waste. Plus, they will often taste better! It’s also important to understand what is in season in your region. When produce is out of season, it will likely be shipped in from other countries, which isn’t great for the planet because of transportation emissions. If you do want to eat things that aren’t in season, you can always look for frozen produce from your local grocery store.
What’s in Season in May, June, and July in Michigan?
May, June, and July are some of the best months to shop for fresh produce in Northern Michigan. The climate brings a cornucopia of deliciousness. Here are some produce options for spring and summer.
In May, look for tender asparagus and juicy strawberries. If you live nearby, we highly recommend stopping by the Empire Asparagus Festival on June 1st. There will be tons of unique asparagus eats with food vendors, local breweries, fun costumes, and live music. BARC is in charge of making this event zero-waste so you can celebrate the delicious spring harvest and know that the entire event is set up to be as sustainable as possible!
June brightens your table with crisp cucumbers and sweet peas. By July, you’re in the heart of summer with tomatoes, blueberries, zucchini, and cherries in abundance. Most of Michigan’s sweet cherry production is concentrated in the Traverse City area. If you live in the area, you can celebrate at the annual National Cherry Festival which runs from June 29 to July 6, 2024. There will be tons of activities for the whole family and several farmers markets so you can grab some delicious Michigan-grown cherries!
Other Ways To Embrace Sustainable Eating
Build Your Own Garden
If you have a green thumb, there’s something incredibly rewarding about growing your own food! It connects you to the earth and provides an intimate understanding of what it takes to nurture crops. From tomatoes to green beans, growing your own produce can be a stepping stone to living more sustainably this summer. Plus, you can make it even more sustainable with custom planters from BARC.
We believe in sustainability through and through, which is why we make custom planters made from repurposed wood sourced from construction and deconstruction projects across Northern Michigan. These unique planters are perfect for starting your own garden, no matter how much space you have. Whether you’re planting herbs on a windowsill or starting a vegetable garden in your backyard, our planters are designed to bring your green dreams to life.
Make Your Own Compost
Composting is a fantastic way to reduce kitchen waste and improve the health of your garden soil. By turning food scraps and yard waste into compost, you not only enrich the soil but also decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Start simple with a small bin in the backyard or under the sink, and use your compost to nourish your garden!
Adopt Blue Zone Food Habits
In addition to supporting local farmers, eating in season, and making your own garden, another fascinating area to explore is the dietary habits of the world’s Blue Zones. Blue Zones are regions where people live exceptionally long, healthy lives, such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, and Nicoya in Costa Rica. Here are some key principles from Blue Zone diets that you can incorporate into your lifestyle, even if you’re far from these regions:
Plant-Based Meals
A cornerstone of Blue Zone diets is a heavy reliance on plant-based foods. Beans, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are the staples. Meat is eaten sparingly, typically only a few times per month and in small portions, serving more as a side dish than the centerpiece of a meal. This dietary pattern is not only healthier but also more sustainable for the planet. Plant-based diets generally require fewer resources like water and land compared to animal-based diets. By reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant foods, you can contribute to environmental conservation and mitigate the ecological footprint of your diet.
Less Processed Foods
In Blue Zones, most of the food consumed is whole or minimally processed. This means they eat foods in their natural form as much as possible. By shopping locally and choosing fresh produce, you’re already on the right track. Cooking from scratch allows you to control what goes into your food, avoiding excessive sugars, salts, and unhealthy fats found in many processed foods. By opting for fresh, locally sourced produce and cooking from scratch, you can reduce your reliance on processed foods that often come packaged in single-use plastics and contribute to environmental pollution.
Make Eating a Social Event
Finally, eating in Blue Zones is often a social affair. Meals are a time to relax, enjoy the company of others, and eat mindfully. Adopting this practice not only fosters social connections but also promotes sustainable eating habits. Sharing meals with others can reduce food waste and encourage mindful eating practices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable food culture.
At BARC, our commitment is to the community and to our planet. By choosing to eat locally, seasonally, and sustainably, you are taking part in a larger movement towards a healthier planet. Remember, every small choice can lead to big changes!