Eating Locally & Sustainably for Your Health and Our Planet
This post is sponsored by Oroweat Organic.
As we reflect on our current environment, we may think about some of the choices we make, specifically around food. How do my food choices affect my health and immunity? How can we ensure everyone has equal access to food worldwide? What choices can I make that support my community?
It is important to me to support companies that have sustainable practices, so I was thrilled when reading about Oroweat Organic’s mission for sustainability. Oroweat Organic bread is sustainably baked, made locally in B.C., and uses eco-friendly ingredients grown in a way that helps make soil richer and promote biodiversity. They also use 100% of their baked waste for animal feed! Oroweat Organic is available in three varieties - Oroweat Organic Whole Grain Loaf, Oroweat Organic Quinoa & Sunflower Seed Loaf, and Oroweat Organic 22 Grains & Seeds Loaf and can be found in major grocery stores in Western Canada as of September 3rd.
While COVID-19 has made back to school more complicated than usual, we are going to discuss some changes you can make that can positively impact your health and the environment.
1. Support your local farmers market
This can be a fun activity to do with family or friends on the weekend. It gives you the chance to try new ingredients and support your local economy. Buying locally sourced ingredients significantly reduces the amount of fuel needed to ship and transport food. Additionally, most local farmers who grow a variety of crops will practice crop rotation, which means that nutrients in the soil are recycled and replenished so that crops have increased nutrient levels. You will be surprised what a difference this makes in the flavour of your produce! I have partnered with Oroweat Organic to create sustainable recipes using their bread and local farmers market ingredients. They are delicious, nutritious, and local, so make sure you check them out on Instagram!
2. Research your local retailers and brands
Find companies that use sustainable practices, and source local ingredients and supplies. Supporting these companies can encourage other companies to follow suit, once they realize that customers value sustainability. Oroweat Organic Breads uses sustainable baking practices, such as using wind energy and renewable natural gas and putting 100% of their baked waste to animal feed. They also donate 1% of revenues to environmental causes, in addition to partnering with Tree Canada to support environmental and community initiatives in Western Canada. If you want to learn more about their sustainable baking practices, go to www.oroweat.ca.
3. Familiarize yourself with seasonal and local foods
When you purchase foods that are not in season locally, this means they are using a lot of fuel and energy to be shipped from elsewhere. Sometimes these foods will also have additives and preservatives to prevent them from spoiling on their journey to your grocery store. Did you know Oroweat Organic bread is baked right here in British Columbia? Look up what is in season and local in your area, and try to stick to purchasing those foods until next season. This can also be a good opportunity to try new recipes with new ingredients!
4. Grow your own produce
Even if you do not have a large space at home to grow produce, you can grow herbs in a pot, or vegetables in a small garden bed in your backyard. Different seasons will affect how well your crops do, so research which crops do well in your home climate. Pick up some fresh soil, and plant your seeds! You will appreciate the time and effort needed to successfully grow food, and the more you grow, the more you can reduce your carbon footprint when purchasing groceries. Check out Oroweat Organic’s sustainable recipe series for some ideas on what to grow in your backyard!
5. Limit processed and packaged foods
The more processed a food is, the more resources it takes to produce that food. Packaged liquids are especially unsustainable for the environment because they are heavy to transport. Focus on fresh, unprocessed foods, and use a refillable water bottle! Oroweat Organic uses simple and recognizable ingredients, with no artificial preservatives, colours, or flavours. All of their loaves are organic, plant-based, and non-GMO certified. They also exclude the use of artificial ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils, bleached flour, and artificial preservatives and colours. As a bonus, Oroweat Organic bread does not compromise on taste or texture - their bread is soft and so delicious!
6. Engage in conversations around sustainability
Having discussions with friends and family can increase awareness around the importance of sustainability. Sustainable practices are our future, and we need to get everyone on board as soon as possible. Friendly conversations are a great opportunity to share your tips and resources, and you may learn a thing or two as well! 7. Empower yourself with your buying decisions
Suppliers rely on demand, so your buying decisions hold a lot of power. Things you regularly purchase influences what restaurants, grocers, and companies sell. You can do things such as purchase foods in bulk to reduce packaging. Choose minimally processed foods to reduce the energy and resources required in production. Research the restaurants in your area, and support the farm to table restaurants and ones that source local ingredients. When buying Oroweat Organic bread, you know that 1% of revenue is going towards environmental causes as members of 1% For The Planet. It’s a great feeling knowing your money is going to good causes!
We want to acknowledge that some of these changes we are recommending come from a place of privilege, and not everyone is able to incorporate these practices into everyday life. However, small actions can also make a big difference! Engaging in conversations around sustainability is a low-cost and high-impact way you can incorporate sustainable practices into your everyday life. Oroweat Organic is actively trying to spread the word about sustainability, and what a positive impact it can make on your health and our environment. Knowledge is power, and sharing knowledge is empowering. So do what you can - every action, big or small, will make a difference!
Want more information and recipes? Head to www.oroweat.ca.