Caring for our planet doesn't require living off the grid or lobbying Congress for environmental reforms. In reality, the journey towards sustainability can begin in a surprisingly straightforward manner — right on your plate. Engaging in sustainable eating practices can significantly diminish your carbon footprint, conserve vital resources, and promote more ethical food systems, ultimately fostering a healthier planet for future generations. Moreover, embracing this lifestyle can also be financially beneficial. Many people mistakenly believe that adopting an eco-friendly diet necessitates the purchase of exclusively organic produce, expensive vegan items, or only the finest grass-fed meats. However, a sustainable diet can be achieved without putting a strain on your finances. To help you embark on this journey, here are ten practical ways to eat green while saving some green too.

1. Embrace Local Eating

The trend of consuming local food is gaining momentum across various countries, including India, Australia, Japan, and Canada, as individuals express a growing interest in supporting their local economies, connecting with farmers, and experiencing regional delicacies. Foods sourced from nearby areas require minimal transportation, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. This not only benefits the environment but also lowers overall costs for consumers. Moreover, by prioritizing local ingredients, you may discover a delightful array of new flavors and culinary experiences. For instance, in India, you might experiment with fresh bhindi (okra), while in Australia, you could enjoy cooking with kakadu plum. In Japan, sampling seasonal daikon (radish) can be a rewarding experience, and in Canada, you can delight in the taste of local saskatoons (berries).

2. Embrace Seasonal Eating

If you've ever indulged in a juicy strawberry during June or enjoyed a crisp stalk of asparagus in April, you know the delightful benefits of eating with the seasons. Seasonal foods are typically harvested at the pinnacle of their ripeness and flavor, and they might even boast enhanced nutrient profiles. For example, research has shown that broccoli  cultivated during its peak season contains more vitamin C compared to its off-season counterpart.

Moreover, seasonal produce is generally more economical than items that are out of season. When farmers and retailers have an abundant harvest, they often reduce prices to sell their stock quickly before it spoils. Imagine filling your cart with fresh corn in summer or a box of ripe oranges in winter; you are likely to enjoy these treats at considerably lower prices compared to their out-of-season counterparts.

From an ecological standpoint, eating seasonally aligns with the natural growth rhythms of food. The industrial food system's demand for year-round crops often compels producers to rely on additional resources, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and water, which can be taxing on the environment. For instance, using fossil fuels or electricity to heat greenhouses for growing herbs is one such example.

Furthermore, seasonal eating complements the concept of local consumption. When crops are harvested in sync with their natural cycles, they require less time and fewer resources to travel from farm to table, supporting both sustainability and freshness.

Interested in discovering seasonal produce?

Explore what's in season in your region with the Seasonal Food Guide, a comprehensive resource showcasing seasonal fruits and vegetables across various provinces in Canada, as well as regions in Australia, India, and Japan.

3. Meal Plan

Engaging in meal planning empowers you to maintain a healthier diet by giving you control over your food choices, enabling you to make deliberate and nutritious selections that support your health objectives. By crafting a comprehensive shopping list, you can effectively manage your grocery expenses, steering clear of impulsive purchases that often lead to unnecessary spending. Furthermore, a well-structured shopping plan minimizes food waste, an issue that has significant environmental repercussions. For instance, in India, the phenomenon of food wastage is staggering, with reports indicating that a considerable amount of food is discarded due to inadequate storage and distribution. Globally, it has been observed that approximately one-third of all food produced is never consumed, with discarded food being the predominant waste found in landfills, as highlighted by environmental organizations in Canada and Australia.

4. Embrace Your Leftovers

Minimizing food waste is not only beneficial for your budget but also a significant step towards sustainability. It's wise to cherish and consume your leftovers instead of discarding them. If you have doubts about the shelf life of your leftovers, you might find this informative article helpful. In addition to reducing food waste, savoring your leftovers can save you money that would otherwise go towards takeout or unnecessary grocery purchases. If leftovers aren't your favorite, consider innovative ideas such as transforming leftover meat into a delicious pizza topping, incorporating surplus fruits and vegetables into a vibrant salad, or enriching a soup with additional pasta or rice.

5. Embrace Canning, Freezing, and Drying Techniques

If you've made the decision to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program or stock up on seasonal produce through other means, your next challenge will be to find effective methods to prevent your fresh fruits and vegetables from spoiling. Many of us may struggle to consume large quantities of grapes or an entire crate of squash in a short period of time. Luckily, you don't need to be a seasoned homesteader to explore the world of food preservation. Techniques like freezing, canning, and drying are straightforward and accessible options for preserving your bounty right at home.

Among these, freezing stands out as the most user-friendly approach, as a wide variety of foods can be successfully frozen (though it's wise to do some research on which items are suitable for freezing before tossing them in). On the other hand, canning and drying require a bit more dedication but offer the advantage of allowing you to store food for weeks or even months.

6. Embrace Bulk Shopping

The bulk section of your neighborhood grocery store is not merely designed to dazzle with its vibrant array of food dispensers reminiscent of a Willy Wonka factory; it serves as a remarkable resource for both budget-conscious shoppers and those keen on making environmentally friendly choices. Opting to buy dry goods in bulk can lead to substantial savings, particularly with pricier items such as nuts (or murmura in India), dried fruits, or unique flours. Moreover, purchasing only the precise quantity you require, rather than a pre-packaged amount, minimizes food waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. Furthermore, bulk shopping significantly reduces plastic consumption. By bringing along your own clean, reusable food-grade bags, you can avoid using plastic bags, thus playing your part in environmental conservation.

7. Incorporate More Plant-Based Foods and Reduce Meat Consumption

Opting for more plant-based foods instead of animal products can lead to significant savings, positively impact the environment, and enhance your overall health. This shift is crucial as animal-based foods are linked to increased greenhouse gas emissions, greater water consumption, and the depletion of land resources. When it comes to cost, plant-based proteins like beans , lentils , and tofu usually cost significantly less than meat, with prices being less than half in many instances.  While it’s important to note that not all vegetarian alternatives are budget-friendly—such as nut milks, which often exceed the price of cow's milk—strategically incorporating more plant foods can effectively reduce your grocery bills.

Not ready to eliminate meat entirely from your meals?

Consider gradually transitioning by creating a blend of meat with plant-based options like beans, mushrooms , or lentils. This approach is particularly effective for dishes that typically use ground meat, such as tacos, casseroles, or pasta sauces.

8. Cultivate Your Own Garden

During the tumultuous times of World Wars I and II, the initiative known as Victory Gardens inspired many individuals to cultivate their own vegetables and fruits, aiming to decrease expenses and alleviate the burden on the industrial food supply chain. In today’s context, establishing a garden continues to offer these valuable advantages.

The quantity of produce you harvest can significantly enhance your meals while keeping costs remarkably low. Imagine enjoying fresh vegetables and fruits right from your own garden, a practice that’s become increasingly relevant in various cultures, including in Indian households where homegrown ingredients are cherished. Furthermore, nothing quite matches the experience of consuming food that is as local and seasonal as what you grow in your own backyard, providing not only nourishment but also a connection to your environment.

Research has shown that engaging in home gardening can lead to a notable reduction in a household's overall greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, by composting food scraps for your garden, you contribute to minimizing waste sent to landfills, a practice embraced in places like Australia and Canada for its environmental benefits. Though gardening may require a time commitment, it also serves as a therapeutic outlet. A study has indicated that spending just two days a week tending to your plants can enhance your sense of health and well-being while effectively alleviating stress levels, making it a rewarding endeavor for both your mind and body.

9. Steer Clear of Ultra-Processed Foods

Ultra-processed foods are products that have undergone extensive industrial processing and typically contain an abundance of added flavors, sugars, unhealthy fats, and chemical preservatives. Common examples include cheese-flavored corn chips, snack bars, and artificially flavored cereals. These foods are often laden with ingredients that can be difficult to pronounce and identify.

Research shows that diets rich in ultra-processed foods are linked to a variety of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, the production of these foods can have detrimental effects on the environment, as the multitude of ingredients contributes to a significantly larger carbon footprint. Consequently, it is advisable to substitute ultra-processed items with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods whenever feasible. Not only is this beneficial for your health, but it can also be economical, as wholesome snacks, such as apples (seb), or cheese (paneer), often turn out to be more affordable than a bag of chips or candy.

The Bottom Line

Making a positive impact on the environment doesn’t necessarily require monumental changes. Even adopting a few simple habits, such as opting for plant-based proteins like beans (rajma), lentils (dal), or soy (soya) instead of meat on occasion, or purchasing staple items in bulk, can set you on a rewarding path toward substantial environmental benefits. Moreover, you might discover that eco-friendly choices can also lead to financial savings. For instance, sourcing fresh fruits and vegetables from a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program or cultivating your own home garden can often be more economical than frequent visits to the grocery store. Additionally, when shopping at supermarkets, seasonal produce tends to be more affordable. Consider implementing these dietary adjustments for a lifestyle that is both environmentally conscious and budget-friendly, and see how they might motivate you to expand your efforts in promoting sustainability.