Do you realize how much your choices effect the people and the world around you? Even your eating preferences can have an impact. Where you shop, the food packaging, and the food itself can all have an impact on your sustainable eating habits.

Even while farming produces food for the world, there are many aspects of farming that are harmful to the environment. Consider the chemicals used on a farm. These pollutants leach into the soil and subsequently into the groundwater, polluting it. Farmers’ harvesting machinery is powered by fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Here are some suggestions.

Consume seasonal, locally sourced foods. When you consider that part of the food you eat is grown all over the country, and even globally, you realize that it must be transported. Most modes of transportation rely on fossil fuels to travel from point A to point B. When you eat locally farmed foods, you eliminate the need for transportation. This is one of the most environmentally friendly choices for sustainable eating.

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz about consuming organic foods. Organic food is grown without the use of chemicals or fertilizers. Instead of conventional insecticides and fertilizers, the farmer use natural additions. They have not been genetically changed or exposed to radiation. Organic farmers are at the forefront of both sustainable farming and soil improvement.

Look for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Organic label to ensure you are purchasing organic items. You should also keep in mind that, while organic goods are produced in a far more environmentally friendly manner, not all farmers who adopt organic agricultural practices receive USDA certification. It is also crucial to keep in mind that organic goods from other countries are not environmentally friendly if they have to be shipped a great distance.

Reduce your meat consumption; this is another method to practice sustainable eating. Animals require land and water to survive, and their waste pollutes the air and water. Some others believe that the documented harsh treatment of animals, as well as the fact that they are pumped full of antibiotics, is another reason to switch to a plant-based diet. If you are not ready to become a vegetarian, choose to go meatless two or three times per week.

Participate in a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA). If you can find a CSA in your region, you will pay a predetermined monthly price to a farmer who will do the labor. You receive food from the farm; you may also be requested to help out on the farm as part of the monthly fee. Check out the localharvest.org website to see if there is a CSA near you. If a CSA is not available, you can look for a food co-op.

Create your own garden. Plant a garden and raise your own food if you want to be sure you’re doing your part for the earth. You’ll be doing the job, you’ll know what chemicals or fertilizers were used on the food, and it won’t have to be transported. You can learn about sustainable eating while also enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of your effort.