This month we celebrate Earth Day—a vast array of interactive events around West Michigan are listed in our News Brief section. 

In Conscious Eating titled: “Sustainable Eating: Tips to Shrink Your Foodprint,” by Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD., we learn that knowing which foods have the least environmental impact is not always easy. To get a fuller picture of our food-related environmental impacts, we need to take into consideration the many variables associated with the production, transportation and consumption of food, and that’s where the “foodprint” comes in—a barometer of eco-friendliness.  So, we look for all things related to local food—farmers markets, CSAs, food co-ops, online local food hubs for purchase, organic farmers, healthy food delivery services, farm-to-table restaurants, sustainable breweries using local grain, locally-owned and sourced grocery stores, Slow Food organizations, etc. Also look for compost pick-up or onsite services, DIY compost buckets and bins, products to help preserve food in the fridge, canning and preserving products, food storage products, online courses, and local sustainability coaches. 

Our April article titled “Toxic Overload: How to Clean Our Water, Food and Indoor Air,” by Madiha M. Saeed, M.D., explores the many toxins in the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Chemical Substances Control Inventory shows the magnitude of our potential exposure, listing more than 86,000 industrial chemicals that are manufactured or processed in this country. Despite regulations and safety protocols, a number of these dangerous compounds run off into waterways or are released into the atmosphere. Food manufacturers use some of them to preserve or beautify their products.

Look for natural products businesses and brands, whole-house and countertop water filtration companies, natural food products and stores, home inspectors, radon inspectors and products, air filtration systems for home and car, “safe” storage products, natural cleaning products and eco-friendly housekeeping services, eco-friendly dry cleaners, natural and organic mattress companies, organic bedding and linens, essential oils, home health consultants, clean eating consultants, natural pest control companies, etc.

And finally, our April Ecotip titled “Sustainable Grocery Shopping,” shows us the many ways to be environmentally responsible when shopping for food. Here are a few tips. Look for eco-friendly products for shopping, including plastic alternatives, and all things related to local food—farmers markets, CSAs, food co-ops, online local food hubs for purchase, and organic farmers in our community.

To conscious living,

Pamela Gallina, Publisher