Food Sustainability

Food sustainability is being conscious of how our everyday choices can influence the future of our planet. I'm sharing green-eating tips, the benefits of plant-based eating, the importance of ethical eating, and the impact industrial agriculture has on our planet.

Some of my top articles include 5 Sustainable Seafood Foodie Tips, Top 5 Sustainable and Iconically Canadian Foods, and For the Flexitarian- The Environmental Sustainability of Eating Meat.

Hunter Gatherer: How to Harvest Chanterelle Mushrooms

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The little coastal town of Tofino is the surfing mecca of Canada. Its beautiful beaches and old growth forests do well to extend its offerings to non-surfers like myself. Two weeks ago some friends let us in on a little secret – chanterelle mushrooms had come early this year. It was the first week of September and these golden gems were popping up everywhere. A quick run down for us first timers on the how-to’s of chanterlles picking gave us an idea of their preferred growing area, how to harvest them sustainably, and how to differentiate them from look a-likes. After some more research and learning from seasoned chanterelle pickers, I’m sharing my How To Harvest Chanterelle Mushrooms and other tips.
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The Basics of Canning, Let’s Start With Salsa!

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Tis the season for canning! Canning can seem daunting with all the sterilizing, boiling and sealing. Not only is it more fun to do with friends but if your a canning novice then it can also be safer. That said, if you have never canned before I would highly recommend it. I want to share the many benefits to canning – from health reasons to environmental reasons, as well as a Simple Salsa Recipe.
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Which Foods Are Genetically Modified?

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Content Last Updated August 2013

The controversy surrounding Genetically Modified (GM) foods isn’t going anywhere. Activist groups have made their voice heard; we have seen protests around the globe, the burning of GM crops in Hungary, and murmurs of the same happening right next door in Washington. The biotech company Monsanto has backed out of Europe due to lack of support for GM crops from farmers and citizens, but continue to stipulate that the public must embrace GM foods for our own food security and for the starving developing nations.
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Which Is The Best Milk Alternative For You?

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Content Updated July 2013

So you have made the choice to give up milk. Mom says no, friends call you a hippie, the dairy industry is smacking their 3 recommended serves in your face. But you don’t care, you’re going to do it. Whether it be to ward off suspected intolerances, a cows milk allergy, to lower your carbon footprint or for personal ethical reasons, finding a suitable alternative can be tricky. Each book you read, every website you come across and every person you talk to will probably tell you something different. After reviewing this post hopefully, you will feel more confident in deciding which is the best milk alternative for you.
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How To Make Sprouts & Health Benefits of Sprouting Foods

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My top tips on how to make sprouts, and also why we should be including sprouts in our diet. The health benefits of sprouts include helping us to better access important minerals in nuts, seeds, legumes and grains. This is especially important for those following a plant-based, vegan or vegetarian diet.

I have been dabbling into sprouting foods since my early university days, but back then I was too poor to buy a proper sprouter. I’ve used everything from nut milk bags to glass jars and cheesecloth. If your a first-time sprouter, prepare to become addicted. Sprouting is one of the simplest things you will do in the kitchen -all you need to do is remember to water your sprouts, no green thumb required!…

Sustainability of BC’s Spot Prawns

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Content Last Updated June 2013

Ocean View in Prince Rupert, BC

A few months ago I discussed sustainable seafood options in Australia in Unsustainable Seafood Choices In Australia + Better Choices. Prawn lovers may have been upset to find that prawns where an unsustainable seafood choice due to their destructive fishing methods. This is unfortunate news for a prawn loving nation and for many Dietitians who often recommend them as a healthier alternative to high-fat meats.
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Genetically Modified Food Pros and Cons – For Our Health & The Environment

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The ongoing question – what are the genetically modified food pros and cons? Do we need them in our food supply? We need to not only consider our health, but also the health of the environment. I’ve laid out some clear science-based facts to help clear up some misinformation.

Content last updated May 2013.

Farmlands NSW, Australia

Regardless of how we feel about genetically modified (GM) foods, we need to respect that the consumer has the right to make an informed decision on a topic that potentially affects their health. As consumers we also have the responsibility, as global citizens, to consider the health of our environment for generations to come.
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What Is The Most Sustainable Tuna: Greenpeace

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Content Last Updated April 2013

Canned tuna is popular for those who are trying to watch their waistline, and for good reason! One can of tuna provides as much protein as a small steak with a fraction of the calories. We do need to be mindful though, as the consumption of tuna increases, so does the impact on our oceans.
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Health and Environmental Benefits of a Plant Based Diet | Yoga Retreat

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Content Updated March 2014

Ingredients for Healthy Coleslaw Recipe Shredded and Chopped in Bowl

Ingredients for coleslaw prepared and added to a salad bowl.

Last week I was grateful to be asked to speak at a local Yoga Retreat run by my friend and yoga teacher, Alexa Nether. The retreat was held at the beautiful Clarendon Forest Retreat just a 30-minute drive inland from Forster. There was a big focus on relaxation and restoring energy levels and aside from two daily yoga sessions and a nightly yoga nidra, there was delicious vegetarian fare prepared by a local legend.
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Why Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad For Our Health & The Environment?

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Content Last Updated March 2013

Recent reports state that Australians have reduced their sugar intake by 30% in recent years. Good for you I hear you say! But at what cost? We haven’t lost our sweet tooth, instead, we have replaced sugar with artificial sweeteners which carry no shortage of claims on their ill effects — ranging from Alzheimer’s, cancer, seizures, depression and blindness to name a few. What no one ever mentions is the cost to the environment. Maybe what we need to focus on is not what these sweeteners may be costing our health, but what they are costing our environment.
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Minimize Your Impact On Meatless Monday

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Post Updated February 2013

Meat in excess is bad for us – we know that. The health benefits of a plant-based diet have been widely studied and have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. What we often don’t contemplate is the cost of meat to our planet. Food production is the second leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and 70% of these emissions come from animal production.…

Unsustainable Seafood in Australia + Better Choices

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Content updated in February 2013.

As the world’s population grows with it grows the demand for seafood. With 2.6 billion people depending on fish as 20% of their protein intake, sustainable seafood has become an increasingly important topic. Sustainable seafood refers to fish or shellfish that have reached our plates with minimal impact upon fish populations and the oceans. As the consumer, we have the ability to play a vital role in ensuring our oceans are well supplied for future generations.
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Food Sustainability

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