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Eco-Friendly Eating Habits: Foods That Help The Earth

Apples

Most of us do not typically think how the foods we eat can help protect the Earth. The packaging can easily be sorted as good or bad for the environment, but when it comes to classify food into such categories, we prefer not to do it. Being more mindful of the footprints we leave on the Earth includes conservation efforts in all areas of our lives. Take a moment to read over this short synopsis, highlighting a few legit foods that are actually helpful to the environment. 

Garden Peas

Garden peas are at the top of the list for environmentally friendly foods, as they give back more than they take from the environment. Plants need nitrogen rich soil to grow at their highest potential, and peas naturally fix nitrogen into the soil in which they grow. This natural ability alleviates the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Broccoli

Broccoli

Broccoli is nature’s natural pesticide. As a member of the cabbage family, broccoli naturally produces a compound substance, which is closely related to industrial pesticides.  The best part is that it is 100 percent all natural. In addition to producing a natural pesticide, broccoli is also well known for its cancer fighting properties. The plant produces less carbon into the atmosphere than the average car does after driving only one mile.

Lentils

Lentils are a super food in their own right. When growers combine carbon emissions produced while growing and shipping, lentils produce only a fraction of the CO2 released during the production of chicken (which provides less nutritious protein than a cup of lentils).

Potatoes

Potatoes

Potatoes are an all-around super crop that saves water and fertilizer. Potatoes take very little water to produce a relatively high crop yield. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene and an excellent preventative food for women. They also naturally produce specific compounds that are effective for warding off garden pests and insects.

Oranges

Oranges are another water-saving, nutritious fruit. At 55 gallons of water per pound of product, oranges are more than just a significant source of vitamin C. Naturally, fresh squeezed orange juice is the best way to get the maximum nutritional value out of each glass.

Apples

Apples

Locally grown, organic apples are some of the best contributors to the local environment. Apple trees are water conservationists, as they only require a modest 83 gallons of water per pound of fruit. The bad news is that apples are a little more testy when it comes to pest control.

 

Tomatoes

Organically grown tomato plants have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the garden. Tomatoes require less water to thrive, as their root systems grow deep within the soil. The summer sun is no match for the moisture below the surface. As such, tomatoes are more drought tolerant that other garden growers.

 

However, it may not be a person’s first choice, nuts and beans (like lentils) are a cleaner source of protein than any animal meats produced in today’s market. Even free-range animals cause more of a carbon footprint than lentils.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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