Happy Earth Day!

Keeping our environment healthy is closely linked to keeping us healthy. This Earth Day, commit to making one change that will benefit the earth -- and your health.

I recently watched FRESH, a new documentary featuring Michael Pollan and Joel Salatin that celebrates farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. I highly recommend it, it is available at www.freshthemovie.com.

Freshthemovie.com recommends FRESH actions you can take for Earth Day:

1. Buy local products when possible, otherwise, buy organic and fair-trade products. Ask your grocer or favorite restaurant what local food they carry and try to influence their purchasing decisions. You will support your local economy and small farmers, reduce your exposure to harmful pesticides, improve the taste and quality of your food, and protect the environment from fertilizer and pesticide run-offs.
2. Support restaurants and food vendors that buy locally produced food. When at a restaurant, ask (nicely!) your waiter where the meat and fish comes from. Become a modern day hunter and gatherer. Eventually, as more and more customers ask the same question, they’ll get the message!
3. Avoid GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)! When buying processed food (anything packaged) buy organic to avoid GMO. (Since almost all the soy, corn, and canola in the US is genetically modified, over 70% of all processed food contain GMOs from by-products of these grains.)
4. Drink plenty of water, but avoid bottled water when you can. Water bottles pollute the environment and bottled water is often mere tap water. Plastic is harmful to your health and to the environment. Buy a reusable water bottle (stainless steel is best) and invest in a good water filter.
5. Grow a garden, visit a farm, volunteer in your community garden, teach a child how to garden. GET DIRTY! Have fun!

Watch the trailer for FRESH.