Environmental eats

As Earth Day draws upon us, it's time to start thinking about her and her bounty. After all the planet has been good to us for a few milleniums and it's time to give back.

How?

How do we reduce our culinary carbon footprint?

Well, for starters don't go too crazy when you visit Red Lobster. The world's seafood population is quickly diminishing and some fish species will be on the endangered list. Hard to imagine the average cod on this, right up there with Indian elephants and bald eagles but it's true. We spent the last century overfishing our seas and oceans. Even crustaceans and mollusks aren't safe anymore. Eat fish and seafood but try to put a cap on gorging yourself on them. Cut eating seafood down to half of what you're eating now.

Another way you can eat "green" is by buying from local farms for your fresh fruit and vegetables. You don't have to get produce that's coming in from across country or South America (if you're in Europe, some of your more exotic produce probably comes from Africa). Try to buy locally grown greens that haven't been trucked in by gas guzzling semis or fuel wasting jets.Besides the local farmers will appreciate the business and you'll benefit from eating just picked picked tomatoes, corn , and melons.

if you're entertaining, stick to cheep reusable plastic utensils and dishes. Using paper means more trees have been destroyed and using styrofoam means another landfill full of non bio-degradable stuff. Go to yourlocal Target, K-Mart or dollar store and pick up plastic plates and glasses.Unfortunately you're going to have to use water to wash then but keep that at a bare minimum. Use environmentally friendly dish soaps and don't go overboard with the rinsing.

It's easy to be an environmental eater. Just be conscious of what you eat, and where it comes from. Also make a habit of being green about your table setting and washing up afterwards. Mother Earth will thank you by producing more of your favorite fruits and veggies.