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The amount of food wasted every year could feed every person who faces food insecurity time and time again. Forty-six percent of foods wasted are root vegetables, like potatoes, onions and carrots. But with small tweaks in your grocery shopping routine, you can have a positive impact on the planet.
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Re-think the way you shop!
Many people are taught to pick the most beautiful fruits and veggies when shopping. It is human nature to like pretty things. Many of our favorite grocery stores keep that in mind when arranging food displays. Produce that looks even slightly different often gets rejected by grocery stores because many will look right past it. The food is just as tasty, but because of its abnormal appearance, people are hesitant to give it a try.
If there were two tomatoes and one was round and plump, the other lumpy and oddly shaped, which one would you choose? As ridiculous as it sounds, food and vanity have a deep connection. Many would choose the perfect tomato, just as societal norms dictate the “most beautiful person on the planet” is someone who has perfect facial symmetry.
It’s often said that it takes 21 days to break a habit. Let’s re-think the way that we have been trained to think for years. Make an effort to stop choosing fruits and vegetables based solely on cosmetic reasons. They contain the same nutrients and flavor as cosmetically acceptable foods.
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Why should I buy imperfect produce?
Since much of the fruit available for public consumption is unwanted, it is offered at a discount of 30 to 40%. This makes healthy eating more affordable for everyone. Imperfect produce also helps the planet in numerous ways. Fruits and veggies have the highest waste rate of any food. Nearly one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. If more of us purchased this unwanted food, we could reduce these numbers in large amounts.
Where can I purchase “ugly foods”?
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National
Imperfectproduce.com caters to your fruit and veggie needs. You are able to choose the type and quantity of fruit included in your scheduled delivery days in advance. Have a box full of healthy goodness delivered to your doorstep! The thing that tops the cake is that imperfectproduce.com delivers to many major cities, including St.Louis. How could this get any better?
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Local
Visit your local farmers’ market and see what they are working with. Many farmers have stopped throwing away “ugly food” because awareness is increasing. If you are a frequent customer at the market, your favorite farmer might keep you in mind while choosing what to toss and sell.
St. Louis has a countless amount of farmers’ markets that sell fresh, organic produce. Some of our favorites include The Tower Grove Farmer’s Market, U-City Farmer’s Market, Soulard Farmers Market and Ferguson Farmers Market.
Tell a friend and help save the planet one step at a time!
