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Generally, shopping at health food stores and supermarkets that carry organic foods is a good way to buy green produce. But you can get greener—and cheaper—goods elsewhere. And if your local health food store is anything like mine, it's incredibly expensive.
The following are the best, and often cheaper, alternative options to buying your greens at the supermarket:
- Farmers' Markets
Fresh produce, straight from the farm. What could be better? And since there's no middle man—you're buying straight from the farmer—you're saving major money. Most cities and towns have a farmers' market that's easily accessible—I even had one in my little suburb growing up. And since they're local farmer's you know the food isn't traveling hundreds of miles—and causing the unnecessary spewing of greenhouse gases—to reach you. - Community Supported Agriculture
This one requires a bit of an investment right up front, but it's worth it. When you sign up with a local CSA, you typically 'subscribe' to get access to fresh veggies for 6 months or a year. Then, once a week, you drop by and pick up a load of vegetables that comes straight from a local farm. And that's the best part—supporting CSA sends money to local farmers, and puts an emphasis on environmentally friendly food production. - Food Co-ops
Okay, okay, so food co-ops are kinda like a health food store—but not. Many Co-ops have special arrangements with local farms, and hence, they receive fresher produce. Also, many offer arrangements where you can join the co-op and work some hours in exchange for the fresh green stuff. - Your Own Garden
So it seems pretty obvious that it's cheaper and greener to grow your own veggies than to shell out cash for them at the market. But the idea doesn't really sink in for most people—perhaps all the images of dirt and hoes and overalls seems unappealing. But gardening is a very real, very easy way to get yourself some green goods for cheap. It's simple. Start your own garden save big, and eat green. - Freegan Style
Disclaimer—okay two disclaimers. One, this one's not for everybody. Two, the produce attained from the following advice will not be 'greener' due to being fresher, but rather because you'll be sparing it from the trash heap. That's right—if you dare, get your produce after it's tossed out by that overpriced health food store. It's called Freeganism. Most supermarkets have sold-on dates that must be adhered to, and when time's up, it's up. Doesn't mean the veggies are bad—it just means you'll have to wash them off extra thoroughly when you bring them home.
More on Green Produce:
Oldest Organic Produce Company in the US Gets a Solar-Powered
How to Buy Green Produce w/Marion Nestle
Organic Food: Healthier for You and the Planet
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