7 Days of Getting to Know Mission Organic 2010 (Day 6)
Getting Started Guide:
1. Start with fresh produce: Always shop in the fresh fruits and vegetables section of any supermarket or health food store. Be sure to seek out organic foods that meet the needs of all family members throughout the day.
2. Shop in season: It always makes good sense to look for in-season local fruits and vegetable. Thy are likely to be fresher and tastier-and a better bargain. In the late fall and winter months when so much produce is imported, it is especially important to look for organic.
3. Go local: local foods tends to be picked riper and sold fresher. IT tastes better, and uses far less energy in support of “food miles.” Plus, research has found an increased pesticide risk for imported produce.
4. Prioritize your purchases: want to know more about the fruits and vegetables that pose the greatest and least pesticide risks? Check back here tomorrow for a list of the “dirty 12″.
5. Upgrade your snacks: Dried fruits are a great way to replace a high-fat or sugary snack with a nutritious antioxidant-packed treat. Unsweetened fruit juices are also a good way to make sure kids get their recommended 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Organic nuts deliver both antioxidants and fiber and can be enjoyed in so many ways.
6. Buy in bulk: Look for organic cereals,. pasta, rice, flour, and other goods in bulk. Many foods available in bulk store well and do not take up too much space in the home. Buying organic food in bulk usually brings down the price to about what you would pay for conventional food.
7. Shop for color: Want more antioxidant and flavor bang for your food dollar? A good rule of thumb-go for the catsup, tomato sauce, pesto, salsa, and jams with the deepest, richest colors.
8. Convert your favorite recipe: If you have a favorite recipe-and everyone does who cooks regularly, try purchasing organic ingredients in place of the old ones you use all the time for the recipe. For example, oftentimes, you will have leftovers of baking ingredients you can use again and again.
9. Visit a farm: Get to know you local farms. Talk to farmers about their agriculture practice-notice the connection to the food once it arrives at your table in meal form. Farm visits are also great experiences for kids!
10. Go to Mission Organic: to learn more about getting started today and now.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If you’re ready to add more than complaints to the next eco discussion, crack this list of books to learn how all of these started in the beginning. Also, read how to make changes to get us straight.
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