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Having a green conscious is something everyone should strive for. Every choice in life should be made by first considering the effect it may have on the environment. Whether it is the food we eat, the products we purchase, or the little choices we make in our homes every day. Minor changes in your day to day life can greatly help our planet. With fun facts and helpful tips it is possible for everyone to live greener lives, if only you are willing to make the effort.

Let us begin with the topic of eating green. When it comes to deciding what to put in your grocery cart; one of the mistakes that are made evolves from our desire for convenience. In order to keep up with the pace of society, people demand fast and easy meals. But as we have learned over the years, with convenience comes consequence.

In order to keep up with the pace of America and our exponentially increasing population, farmers have created genetically modified organisms (GMO) to produce various traits that promote pest resistance and faster growth. Sixty percent of processed foods contain genetically modified organisms. Although the health risks are still unknown, GMO’s may increase the risk of allergies and cancer.

As for the environmental impacts of GMO’s, there is a risk of the genes collecting in wild plants, resulting in decreased biodiversity in ecosystems. In order to eliminate chance of either possibilities occurring, it is best to avoid buying genetically modified foods.

Labels and Logos: The following list of labels is taken from the National Geographic Green Guide and can be trusted. Avoid genetically modified products and look for these labels to purchase environmentally friendly foods.

Bird Friendly: protects tropical bird habitats
Foods Certified: coffee

American Humane Certified: assures humane care of livestock, no use of growth hormones or nontherapeutic antibiotics
Foods Certified: meat, poultry, eggs, dairy

Demeter Biodynamic: designates no synthetic pesticide use, no genetic engineering, no crops grown in areas subject to strong electromagnetic fields, agriculture timed with planetary rhythms
Foods Certified: wine, cheese, eggs, fruit, meat, vegetables

Fair Trade Certified: ensures farmers receive fair prices
Foods Certified: coffee, tea, chocolate, tropical fruit, rice, sugar

Food Alliance Certified: Indicates sustainable farming practices, soil and water conservation, fair treatment of workers
Food Certified: milk, frozen food, fruit, wheat, meat, vegetables

Free-Farmed: means that animals had access to clean food and water and were raised without antibiotics to promote growth
Foods Certified: meat, poultry

Grass-fed: guarantees livestock receive continuous access to natural outdoor forage during growing season
Foods Certified: dairy, beef, lamb

Marine Stewardship Council: signifies well-managed fisheries
Foods Certified: farmed, well-caught fish

Rainforest Alliance: protects rain forests
Foods certified: bananas, coffee, orange juice, chocolate, tea

Salmon-safe: protects watersheds
Foods Certified: wine, dairy, fresh produce

Eat healthy, eat green!