30-Day Sustainable Eating Challenge

Try our Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger for a meatless main tonight. This recipe takes a vegetarian spin on a classic comfort food. Plant-based protein sources like beans make this recipe filling and nutritious.

Next time you go shopping, bring your own bags to the store. Keeping a stash in your car or right by the door will make it easy to remember them. Some grocers even give credit for bringing bags to encourage people to cut down on plastic use.

Not only will bringing your own water bottle help you cut out plastic bottles, but it is a great way to stay hydrated. Small changes like opting for a reusable bottle will lead to a happier planet and healthier you.

There are several ways to cut down on the emissions it takes to get where you’re going. If you have to drive to work, try carpooling with a friend. If the weather allows and it is realistic for you, leave your car at home and try walking or biking to your destination. Another greener option? Public transportation.

Studies have shown that getting out in nature will boost your mood and help you appreciate the world around us. To get excited about making sustainable choices, try spending some time in the great outdoors today, no matter the weather.

Not only can packing your own lunch help you cut down on waste (yay, leftovers!), but it is a great way to save money and ensure you have something healthy to fuel your day. Bonus points if you bring your own reusable containers and utensils.

Even if you are not using them, electronics use small amounts of energy just from being plugged in. Try unplugging electronics after you’re done using them to cut down on your carbon footprint (and your electricity bill). Toasters, blenders and coffee makers are a great place to start in your kitchen.

Try our Caesar Salad with Cashew Dressing & Tofu “Croutons”. This plant-based spin on a classic Caesar salad packs on the protein and nutrition, and is a delicious way to eat more vegetables. Note: this recipe does use anchovies, but just a small amount.

Whether it is in a window box or a garden, try growing your own vegetables or herbs. It doesn’t get more local than coming from your own home. Not to mention, it can help save you money and helps you appreciate the work that goes into what is on your plate.

If your store offers bulk bins, they are a great way to save money and cut down on waste. Pantry staples like spices, whole grains and beans can be found for a fraction of the price. Plus, you can buy just what you need. Many stores allow you to bring your own reusable containers for bulk items so you can shop waste-free on a budget.

Try using your phone or tablet for your grocery list. There are several grocery list apps, but reminders work just fine if you want to keep it simple. Going paperless when you can, for items like grocery lists and receipts, will help you cut down waste.

There are inevitably some parts of vegetables that cannot be used in cooking. However, hang on to the scraps you wouldn’t normally use to make homemade veggie stock. Scraps can be stored in a gallon bag in the freezer until you’re ready to make stock that is flavorful and free.

Whether it is for take out or something you packed yourself, bring your own reusable utensils to avoid single-use plastic utensils restaurants provide. If you’re ordering delivery, request no utensils. Little choices like this can add up over time.

Use reusable cloths to clean your kitchen, instead of paper towels. Stock up on several and wash them often to keep them in good condition to pick up any messes.

Try our Cauliflower Steaks with Parmesan Cauliflower Romesco tonight. This recipe allows you to use a cauliflower from head to stem to florets for a delicious dinner that cuts down on food waste.

Switching to a biodegradable cleaner, as opposed to a store-bought cleaner with chemicals that don’t degrade, for your home and kitchen can add up to big environmental savings for things you’re already doing. Check out our DIY Cleaning Solutions that include things you probably already have on hand like lemon, vinegar and soap.

Recycling is a great way to repurpose things that would’ve been thrown away, so long as you’re doing it right. Always rinse recyclables so they are free of food scraps. Check to see what can and cannot be recycled through your waste management company to make sure your efforts are doing what you hope they are.

Try bringing a reusable mug for your coffee today. It will help keep your coffee hot for longer and help you cut down on waste. Most cafes will fill mugs from home, sometimes even at a discounted price.

There are several vegetables that can be eaten from root to stem, including broccoli, carrots, leeks, kale and more. Check out our article below to get creative ways to use all the edible parts of a vegetable.

One factor that contributes to the carbon footprint of your food is how far it has to travel to get to you. Local foods not only travel less, but you’ll be supporting local farmers and producers. Outside of the farmers’ market look for local signs at your grocery store.

Studies have shown that getting out in nature will boost your mood and help you appreciate the world around us. To get excited about making sustainable choices, try spending some time in the great outdoors today, no matter the weather.

Try our Vegan Eggplant Parmesan for a vegan twist on this classic dish. Savory spices and umami-filled nutritional yeast make this recipe tasty, even though it’s dairy free.

There are several ways to cut down on the emissions it takes to get where you’re going. If you have to drive to work, try carpooling with a friend. If the weather allows and it is realistic for you, leave your car at home and try walking or biking to your destination. Another greener option? Public transportation.

Next time you go shopping, bring your own bags to the store. Keeping a stash in your car or right by the door will make it easy to remember them. Some grocers even give credit for bringing bags to encourage people to cut down on plastic use.

There are so many ways to conserve water in your day to day routine, once you get more conscious of your usage. Turn off water when you aren’t using it, like between washing dishes or while brushing your teeth. Take shorter showers and make sure you have a full load before doing laundry or running the dishwasher.

If your store offers bulk bins, they are a great way to save money and cut down on waste. Pantry staples like spices, whole grains and beans can be found for a fraction of the price. Plus, you can buy just what you need. Many stores allow you to bring your own reusable containers for bulk items so you can shop waste-free on a budget.

Focusing on produce that is in-season in your area is a great way to try new foods and green up your plate. Foods that are in-season typically have less travel to get to you and are usually produced by local growers, so you can cut down on waste and support your community.

Snack bags and plastic wrap ultimately turn into waste that ends up in a landfill. Swapping in a reusable alternative, like a food storage container or (our editors’ obsession) Stasher Bag, will help you cut out plastic and keep food fresh and portable.

Try our Spring Pea Salad with Strawberries for something fresh and filling. This simple salad is bursting with flavor, nutrients, protein and healthy fats to keep you fueled and ready for spring.

Studies have shown that getting out in nature will boost your mood and help you appreciate the world around us. To get excited about making sustainable choices, try spending some time in the great outdoors today, no matter the weather.