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Robyn M. wrote in with this question: I've recently become even more eco-conscious than before. I'm not just worried about recycling. I am constantly asking myself questions about every product I own, want to own, or need to own. One of those very things is groceries. I am curious, have there been any reviews that rate popular food brands in accordance with their earth-friendliness? If there is such a guide, I could grocery shop with a clear(er) conscious.
Robyn,
When we first read your question, we thought it was going to be an easy one to answer ... but the truth of the matter is: We're just not sure. When we shop, we rely pretty heavily on labels. With very little sleuthing, you can determine if what you're buying is organic or not, fair trade or not, etc.
As far as guides go, we did a little hunting and found The Eco-Foods Guide. It gets a few very positive reviews at Amazon.com. But we haven't read it, so we can't recommend it.
Has anyone out there read the Eco-Foods Guide? And what are your thoughts? Is there a better eco-grocery guide?
Actually, this seems like the perfect opportunity for everyone to weigh in on their favorite eco-resources. Whether it be a book, a web site, a newsletter ... whatever, please share!
Image: via www.sxc.hu
(Re-edited from a post originally published 08.08.07)
check out "the better world shopping guide: every dollar makes a difference," by ellis jones. it grades companies in 70 categories (airlines, retail stores, wine, etc.) according to their business practices.
i just posted about it on the readymade blog!
http://readymademag.com/blog/2007/08/08/attention-shoppers/
view j a y . t e e . 's profile
My advice is to cook from scratch. The less processed food is, the less resources it has taken up. Farmers markets are invaluable as are food co-ops and the like for dry goods.
For other groceries, take some time to look through your supermarket. Read labels, inspect packaging, weigh options.
For fresh food: is the produce in season? If not, it was probably resource-intensive to produce and ship to you.
Animal products are also very resource intensive. Buy less, especially red meat.
In a related matter, where did the product come from? You should be able to find a Made in: section on the label. The closer to you, the less resources required to get it to you.
Buying local is generally a higher priority than buying organic (see this article from Grist, a thoroughly-researched environmental webzine), but if you can get both, do. Organic produce is kind to the environment both now and in the long run.
Packaging is another issue. Is it excessive? Is it recycled? Is it reusable? Is it recyclable?
But perhaps more importantly - it is easy to sweat the small stuff when it comes to eco-consciousness. This can lead to burnout and giving up on the planet entirely. The biggest impact you have is in your transport and home heating and cooling. Be mindful of the rest, but don't lose your mind.
Some more Grist goodness for your edification:
A consumption manifesto. If you read nothing else, read this.
FAQs, many about shopping.
Organic vs local vs heavily packaged
(No, I don't work for Grist. But they have helped clear my conscience on many an occasion!)
view la porte ouverte's profile
My solution to this quandry is to shop at a food coop. I am sure some things fall through the cracks, but I know that 90% of what I buy has been screened for being eco-friendly and socially responsible.
view Eliza's profile
thanks, jay.tee. the better world shopping guide looks very interesting. too bad it only seems to be available on line and not, ahem, locally.
view damova's profile
Check out your local library - I found both Eco-Foods guide and better world shopping guide at mine online just now. I would guess reading them through would give you at least a good grounding in the basics of "better" consuming.
view sillahee's profile
I second the "Better World Shopping Guide". My favorite part? It's pocket-sized. Also, check out this Environmental Working Group site: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
It covers ingredient toxicity, animal testing, environmental impact and worker safety into a simple overall safety score between 0-10.
view graykittie's profile