April 14
Eating greens and buying local can make a big difference in your carbon footprint. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that the meat industry generates nearly one-fifth of the man-made greenhouse gas emissions. Eating a vegetarian meal one day a week can save the greenhouse gas (GHG) equivalent of driving 1,160 miles. Eating all locally grown food for one year can save the GHG equivalent of driving 1,000 miles.
Not sure where to start? Make today a meatless Monday. If you’re looking for healthy vegetarian recipes, you can check out recipes from the National Institute of Health and Mayo Clinic.
There are lots of options for buying locally-grown foods. Grocery stores often feature local produce and agricultural products. You can find a list of local producers and companies at Utah’s Own.
Consider buying shares in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). There are more than 30 CSAs in Utah. In return for purchasing a “share” in a farm before the growing season, you receive a weekly supply of seasonal produce. Not only are you getting the freshest fruits and vegetables delivered to your doorstep, but you are also cutting down on the transportation-related emissions to import produce from other states.
Now is also the perfect time to plant a garden. Cold weather plants like spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and peas grow well in the cooler springtime weather. Use your compost as a natural fertilizer.