Many of my friends say they are desperate for a simpler way to navigate the grocery store. The sheer number of choices is overwhelming, even before considering the health and environmental impacts of the products they’re about to buy. As they shop, a myriad of questions run through their minds. Questions like:
“If the label says ‘natural’ does that mean it’s healthy?”
“What are the top organic foods I should buy if I have a limited budget?”
“Which eggs are better? Cage-free, organic, brown or the plain white kind?”
“Do fruit snacks really count as a serving of fruit?”
It’s enough to make you drop your shopping cart and run for the hills to make a go at living off the grid. Barring that extreme solution, it helps to learn what you can before you go to the store because trying to make mindful choices in the middle of a busy store (or with an impatient toddler) is less than ideal.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my quest to be a mindful grocery consumer, is that it’s all about balance. I make constant trade-offs between what I know is healthiest and best for the environment and what I can afford, how busy I am and how strong my sweet tooth is that day. The 80/20 rule is often my guide as I try to ensure that the majority of the food I buy is healthy and ecofriendly while still leaving room for the occasional treat. I figure if 80 percent of my choices are healthy ones, the other 20 percent won’t cause too much trouble. It’s a practically green approach that works for me!
Hopefully, after reading this chapter you will feel more comfortable taking a stand as a green grocery shopper. The Buy It Green section will give you a better understanding of your food choices, whether you shop at a conventional grocery, a health food store, a food co-op or a farm stand. First, I’ll show you the most common terms, labels and certifications you might find on product packaging. Next, I’ll help you steer your cart safely through the store, pointing out the top tips for green and healthy shopping in each major department. I bet you’ll feel like a green grocery superhero by the time you are through!
To mix a little fun into the sometimes tedious process of feeding your family, the Do It Green section has some creative earth-friendly recipes and healthy cooking ideas. I will explore the concept of the Earth-Balanced Meal—a healthy makeover of some dinnertime favorites. You will also find recipes for homemade grab-and-go snacks (minus the wastefulpackaging of the store-bought variety) and delicious recipes and ideas for a healthy packed lunch.
