What better way to start the day than to chat about food? GoodGuide teamed up with Greennovate, Roots of Change, Practically Green and EatingWell for a Twitter party about how our daily meal choices affect not only our bodies, but also the environment and society. Together, we compiled a list of easy ways we can change the way we interact with food and create a healthier world. We even came up with some new Practically Green actions to get you started!

Where is the best place to purchase food?

• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store (fresh produce) and avoid the aisles (packaged food).
• Visit your local farmer’s market so you can actually meet the people growing your food.
• Join a CSA with other people in your household or office.
• Plant your own garden! Food in grocry stores has traveled around 1,300 miles on average, which really adds up.

What are tips for cooking at home more often?

• Set an attainable goal to cook at least one meal per day or a few days a week.
• Plan your meals ahead of time and make just one weekly grocery trip.
• Host a dinner party to share sustainable cooking ideas with friends and family.
• Post favorite meals (with pictures!) on your fridge for inspiration.
• Take turns with co-workers cooking a weekly meal for the whole office.

What are the issues with consuming too much meat?

• You save more water by not eating 1lb of meat than you do by not showering for 6 months!
• A meal of fruits, vegetables, and grains generates 24 times less greenhouse gas emissions than 6 ounces of conventionally raised beef.
• Cutting meat usually means getting more fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium & magnesium.
• Partcipate in Meatless Mondays and aim to give up meat at least once a week.

What can you do with leftovers?

• Bring for lunch the next day.
• Freeze ends of vegetables and make stock.
• Casseroles, quesadillas, and soups are easy dishes that you can integrate leftovers into.
• Start a compost bin!

What labels/certifications should you look for when choosing food?

• No additives/preservatives and organic certification.
• Check out NRDC’s labeling guide
• The less complicated ingredients, the better.
• Labels are important, but go straight to the source and meet the farmer who produced your food!