Taking care of our bodies as well as our environment has never been more important to the young professional as it is today. Concerning ourselves with our health and environment has also never been so trendy. In the haze of all the buzzwords, such as organic, local, free-range, etc., it’s hard to know just what we should be looking for, and spending our money on. Within our busy lives, trips to the grocery store need to be quick and easy, but we must also arm ourselves with the knowledge necessary to avoid sacrificing our health, or the health of the world around us, in the name of convenience. We at Notable have made it easier for you to decipher just what these hot topics are all about, so that you can decide what’s important to you.
What’s up with “organic”?
The word organic has probably become the most commonly used term in the new “going green” trend. Many of you have likely noticed the organic isle in the produce section of your big-box grocery store, or have perused through your new neighbourhood organic market. If you’re like us, you have probably been wondering what all the fuss is about, and more specifically, have questioned why organic foods are so expensive. Here in Canada, the government regulates what can officially be deemed organic. According to these regulations the term organic refers to a holistic system of food production that focuses on environmental sustainably as well as humane treatment of animals. Of course, there is much more to it, with strict rules in place regarding chemicals, fertilizers, animal care, packaging materials, etc., but the general idea is that when food is produced organically, it is done so with the environment as first concern, rather than profit; hence the increased price. Below is a list taken from Government Canada’s website, detailing the general principles of organic production:
1. Protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound state of health.
2. Maintain long-term soil fertility by optimizing conditions for biological activity within the soil.
3. Maintain biological diversity within the system.
4. Recycle materials and resources to the greatest extent possible within the enterprise.
5. Provide attentive care that promotes the health and meets the behavioural needs of livestock.
6. Prepare organic products, emphasizing careful processing, and handling methods in order to maintain the organic integrity and vital qualities of the products at all stages of production.
7. Rely on renewable resources in locally organized agricultural systems.
What’s better about “local,” “seasonable”?
Eating locally is a somewhat newer craze in the eco-friendly foodie trend. Local foods are showing up on menus of high-end restaurants, and farmers markets are becoming the “it” place to shop. Most foods in your usual grocery store are labelled, listing where the product originated – you just have to look for it. The benefits of buying locally are twofold: First, you are supporting your own regional economy. Rather than spending your money on foods from other countries, you can support farmers from Canada, or even better, your own province. Second, food that is grown nearby is fresher, riper, and much healthier and tastier! When an orange is picked in California it has a long way to travel. Most produce is actually picked well before it is ready, and so both taste and nutritional value are sacrificed. Of course, living in Canada, there is no realistic way to get many fruits and veggies all year long. Eating seasonably means enjoying those products that are grown at that time of year in your region, as much as possible. Summer corn, berries and tomatoes, are all great choices in the warm months in Canada, while hardy root veggies and squashes are perfect in colder months.
A note about “free-range”
While veganism appears to be becoming more and more popular, for those of us who still enjoy a great steak or a fluffy omelet, there is a way to consume meat in a more conscientious way. We call it “happy meat”: animals that have been raised humanely, cage-free, able to engage in natural behaviours. The term free-range is often associated with eggs, though can also be seen on labels for chicken, beef, and pork. It is important to note that in Canada, free-range is not a legally regulated standard. To ensure that the meat you are purchasing stands up to your high ethical standards, opt for organic rather than free-range, because only organic livestock farmers are expected to adhere to these important practices:
Provide animals with access to the outdoors, shade, rotational pasture, exercise areas, fresh air and natural daylight suitable to the species, the stage of production, the climate and environment, and opportunity to express normal patterns of behaviour.
To find balance as both a successful and ethical young professional is no easy task, but with the right information making those small daily decisions will become easier. Your conscientious choices regarding your health and the health of the planet are sure to have a great impact on the happiness and success of both you and your world.