Eating Healthy and the Environment

As I get further into my weight loss program, I am beginning to add whole foods to my Health One Meal Replacements.  I'm excited because summer is a fabulous time to do that with all of the fresh fruits and vegetables!

Living in Oregon, we are blessed with an abundance of local produce during the growing season.  We are also rather environmentally conscious.  Even our state motto is “Keep Oregon Green.”  Of course they came up with that well before “green” was the “in” thing.

plastic bags jamming
a recycling machine

Throughout the years, I have developed positive habits regarding the environment like recycling and composting (yuk).  But, there was one poor habit I just couldn't seem to shake - forgetting to take my own bags to the grocery store.  I knew that plastic bags were filling up our landfills.  But, for some reason, seeing a photo of plastic grocery bags jamming up a recycling machine made me realize that I had to make a choice.  So I have chosen that whenever possible (which is most of the time), I will not use plastic bags.  

So...what to do?  First, I made some grocery bags and produce bags that may be used again and again while I do my shopping.  And, believe it or not, I am getting better at remembering to use them.  Maybe it’s because I put the effort into making them.  Maybe it’s the magnet on the fridge that I made to remind me.  Whatever the reason – it’s nice to know that I am making a difference with my health and the environment.

grocery bags

Grocery Bags

To make the grocery bags, I used a plastic grocery bag as a pattern.  They are washable cotton, fully lined, strong, unique and, well, cute!  

produce bag

Produce Bags

The produce bags took a bit of thinking and research.  The bag needed to be sheer enough so that the fruits or vegetables would be visible through the fabric; and yet, strong enough to hold the weight.  I finally arrived at using old sheer curtains purchased from the Goodwill.  What a great way to re-purpose something that would otherwise end up in a landfill.  Add a tie and a few stamps to give some character and I had some "stylish" produce bags!

So, next time that you’re shopping for those yummy cherries and flavorful asparagus, remember to think green and take a bag!  This is my story...

the magnet on my fridge...