April means more to us than just welcoming spring; it's a month dedicated to celebrating and protecting our planet. Earth Month highlights the small, yet powerful habits we can adopt for a healthier Earth. From the foods we eat to the products we choose, sustainability isn't just a choice—it's a lifestyle. Through our Envirotokens program, we actively support environmental initiatives, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to sustainability. By partnering with organic farmers as much as possible, we guarantee that the food on your plate is not only delicious but also beneficial to the planet. This month, let's explore how incorporating sustainable practices into our daily routines can foster a healthier planet, promising a greener future for us and the generations that follow.
The Impact of Food Choices
When you choose organic and locally sourced foods, you're not just deciding what to eat; you're making a choice that impacts our planet. Opting for organic foods means you are supporting farming practices that reduce carbon emissions and minimize the use of harmful pesticides, contributing to cleaner soil and water. Choosing locally sourced foods helps cut down on transportation, further lowering your carbon footprint, and supports your community's economy. Studies have shown that if everyone ate more locally sourced foods, we could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food transport. These choices, as simple as they may seem, have profound effects on our environment, emphasizing the power of mindful eating.
Eating Seasonally for Sustainability
Eating seasonally aligns with nature's cycles, providing fresher produce and reducing environmental impact by decreasing transport and storage needs. This sustainable choice supports local farmers and lessens your carbon footprint. To simplify seasonal eating, we're launching a monthly produce guide that serves as a useful tool for meal planning around fresh, in-season produce, ensuring you enjoy the best flavors while contributing to a healthier planet. Check out our April produce picks here and be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram as we continue this monthly series.
Zero-Waste Brands, Cooking, and Shopping Tips
Reducing food waste and packaging starts with simple, everyday choices.
Cooking with zero waste in mind not only enhances the flavor of your food but also contributes to the health of our planet. Here’s how to make the most of your ingredients:
Meal Planning: Start by planning your meals for the week. This reduces impulse purchases and ensures you use what you buy. Head over to our recipes page and search hundreds of recipes for every diet type to help with your meal planning inspiration.
Proper Food Storage: Learn the best ways to store different foods to extend their freshness. For example, keeping greens in airtight containers with a paper towel can keep them crisp for a longer period. Check how we keep herbs fresh and long lasting here.
Creative Leftovers: View leftovers as ingredients for new meals. Turn last night's roasted veggies into today's soup or stir-fry. Be sure to follow our Instagram for meal tips and tricks.
Shopping sustainably can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. Follow these tips for a greener shopping experience:
Reusable Bags and Containers: Always carry reusable bags and consider using containers for bulk items to reduce packaging waste. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags in-store when you shop. We'll give you a 10 cent token for each reusable bag. You then have the opportunity to pay it forward to one of six local nonprofits that we have hand-selected doing important work in our area. See the complete list of Envirotokens recipients here.
Buying in Bulk: Purchase grains, nuts, and other staples from bulk bins to cut down on packaging and only buy what you need.
DIY Organic Gardening
Starting your own organic garden, even a small one, is a rewarding way to connect with nature and enjoy fresh produce.
Here are some beginner-friendly suggestions:
Composting Basics: Turn kitchen scraps into gold by starting a simple compost bin. Visit our Grocery aisles and find sustainable home care essentials from Full Circle that can support your compost journey and beyond.
Choosing the Right Plants: Pick plants that will thrive in your space, whether it's a sunny windowsill or a backyard garden. Find the perfect herb starters for your home herb garden in our Produce Department.
Home Garden Remedies: From epsom salts to make fertilizer, Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Soap to make weed killer or keeping beneficial insets around with neem oil, our Wellness Department is filled with natural remedies for your home garden
Community Involvement and Local Initiatives
There's no better way to support sustainability than by getting involved locally. Here's how you can make a positive impact in your community.
Community Gardens: Join or start a community garden to grow food sustainably.
Farmers' Markets: Support local farmers by shopping at farmers' markets.
Cleanup Events: Participate in local cleanup events to keep your community beautiful.
We're deeply involved in local sustainability efforts, including our longstanding Envirotokens program and B Corp certification.
Our journey began in 1993 with our Envirotokens program. Since then, we have saved nearly 20,000 trees, prevented 13 million bags from ending up in landfills, and raised over $1.2 million for local non-profits like Save Our Shores, Sea Hugger, Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful, and more. Every little bit helps us make significant strides towards a healthier planet.
As a B Corp, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on our staff, customers, community, and environment. Our B Corp certification signifies that we meet stringent standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. This commitment to making a difference is a fundamental aspect of who we are.
Key Takeaways
Opt for organic, locally sourced foods whenever possible to lower carbon emissions and support local economies.
Embrace seasonal eating for fresher produce and lower environmental impact.
Adopt zero-waste cooking and shopping practices to reduce food waste and packaging.
Start a DIY organic garden, even if small, to connect with nature and enjoy fresh produce.
Get involved in local initiatives such as community gardens, farmers' markets, and clean-ups to support sustainability.
As we continue to celebrate Earth Month, let's take a moment to think about how our everyday decisions - from what we put on our plates to how we shop and even how we garden - can help shape a more sustainable future and inspire a lasting commitment to our beautiful planet. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for sustainability tips and inspiration in the month of April and beyond.