June 2020

If you’re like me, you have a curiosity toward food trends – and I’m not talking about whether pineapple on pizza is acceptable (that’s for another day). I’m talking about food trends when it comes to green living, sustainable seafood in particular. If you’re a follower of GreenEarth Cleaning, most likely you’re aware that there are many changes we can make in our own lives to better the environment. Saving energy, finding ways to re-use our resources, reducing waste – the list goes on and on. We can also make changes in the way we eat and doing so is actually pretty simple. Organic Isn’t the Only Label You Should Pay Attention To Yeah, adding the word “organic” before your carton of strawberries seems like the smart thing to do. While it’s definitely a good sign that your food was grown without growth hormones or possibly toxic substances, you need to focus equally on choosing locally grown organic foods. An item might be grown naturally but depending on where it shipped from, it could be coming to you from thousands of miles away. This is something known as food miles: the distance your food has traveled from the farm to the store. According to ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, a typical meal travels 1,300 miles on average to get to our table. Transporting fruits and vegetables this way contributes heavily to pollution.  What Can You Do? So, where can you find an abundance of local, organic foods? The farmer’s market. You’ll be supporting farmers in your community, know exactly where your food came from thus reducing food miles, and most of the time the produce is cheaper because you cut out transportation costs. Local is always better! How Stuff Works busts some of the myths for us. The Need to Eat Sustainable Seafood “Sustainable Seafood” seems like a buzzword phrase lately, but what does it actually mean, and is it really that important? According to Seafood Watch, approximately one-third of fish populations are overfished. Species like halibut and yellowtail flounder populations are at an all-time low with bluefin tuna at 4% of its original size. Illegal fishing practices are also depleting fish stocks and account for one-fifth of the world’s catch. To add more, fishing gear that drags across the seafloor, to trap large amounts of seafood, can severely damage the habitat for fish and other species. So, that’s a lot of negatives. And, yes if we have any say as to where our seafood comes from, we need to reward ocean-friendly practices. What Can You Do? Seafood Watch has a downloadable guide to find good sustainable seafood options (and what to avoid) wherever you’re at. Look up your state and keep the guide in mind when you’re traveling too! When out at a restaurant, a simple “do you know where this comes from?” can let you know if the fish you’re about to eat is wild or farmed. Lastly, at the grocery store, look for eco-certification labels on the seafood. Here’s a list of tips to keep in mind.

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21! Now is the time to start thinking about eco-friendly Father’s Day gifts that let Dad know he’s always #1 in your eyes. Below, we’ve compiled six eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas that both he and the planet are sure to love…no ties included.  Solar-powered tech Portable chargers can certainly come in handy. One that uses the sun’s energy for power lets Dad charge all his devices while also helping him reduce his electricity consumption. If your dad is the outdoorsy type, there are more rugged options, so he can stay connected even off the grid. Reusable drinkware Whether he’s a coffee drinker, tea sipper, or water guzzler, your pop could probably get some major use out of a non-disposable travel cup. Brands make tumblers and mugs from various reusable materials, including stainless steel, glass, and ceramic. You’re guaranteed to find a style Dad will appreciate for years to come. Plus, because it’s meant to be used over and over again, he’ll always think of who it came from when he carries it in tow. All-natural grooming Dads deserve to be pampered too! Hair, shaving, and bath products made with all-natural, cruelty-free ingredients are relatively easy to find. If you can purchase these items from an area maker, that’s even better, as locally produced goods have a lower carbon footprint and help to benefit your community as well. Sustainable style We’re pretty sure it’s the classic Dad way to hang onto clothing items like tees and socks for far too long. Craft his old duds into dust rags and treat Dad to some new, quality pieces! Remember to be on the lookout for sustainable fabrics like organic cotton and bamboo when you shop. Farm-to-table meal You’ll need your chef’s hat for this gift idea! Whip up all Dad’s favorite dishes for a meal he won’t soon forget. Just make it a point to purchase as many of your ingredients as possible from local sources. From field to fork, the average dinner travels more than 1,500 miles. Foods grown locally are fresher and ultimately the greener choice.  Plant something together Making memories and doing good for the environment—that’s what we call a win-win! Take Dad out to the backyard this Father’s Day to plant something together. It can be a tree, herb box, vegetable garden—anything the two of you will both enjoy. Plants act as natural air purifiers, so Mother Nature will no doubt be pleased. The best part, though, is that you get to spend some quality time with Dad, and what better gift is there than that?