Homemade sprouted garbanzo bean burger
Photo: Sara Novak
We are a society that loves our prepackaged foods. Canned beans, microwave meals, breakfast cereals, you name it, it’s likely available to the busy moms of the world. But I’m realizing more and more that all that packaging most likely ends up at the landfill. Even if it can be recycled, it takes added energy and fossil fuels to get them there and processed. What’s more, packaging costs more money. It’s often what you’re paying for at the grocery store. That’s why the bin section of the store is usually so much less expensive.
New studies have even pointed to issues with synthetic hormones in food packaging. Specifically, BPA and Phthalates. Organic or not, 92 percent of canned foods have BPA . Both of these synthetic hormones are associated with endocrine disruption. They’re linked to fertility problems and certain cancers.
For me canned beans has been the hardest thing to give up. But once I learned how to cook dry beans, it made a world of difference. Dried beans are easier on the system and they’re much tastier.
Here are some other tips for reducing the packaging in your life:
1. Prep Beans Beforehand
Beans are a main protein source in my house and constantly cooking them from scratch just isn’t an option. I prep a huge batch of beans on Sunday and Wednesday and enjoy them throughout the week. They’re super cheap, versatile, and green.
2. Cut Back on Condiments and Make Your Own
You don’t need a condiment for every use and many of those that you do need, you can make yourself. Consider making condiments as you need them. You don’t have to start all at once, but why not consider at least a few? Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started :
3. Keep it Fresh
Cut out canned fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Unless there’s a natural disaster you shouldn’t be eating produce from a can, it’s lost most of its nutrients. Find the beauty in small batches of local produce.
Like this? Follow my Twitter feed .
Read More:
Gas Prices Are Sky Rocketing: Why Mine Aren’t
In Honor of Earth Day Make a Huge Impact By Choosing Protein Carefully
Get Your B12 On a Vegan Diet
Homemade sprouted garbanzo bean burger
Photo: Sara Novak
We are a society that loves our prepackaged foods. Canned beans, microwave meals, breakfast cereals, you name it, it’s likely available to the busy moms of the world. But I’m realizing more and more that all that packaging most likely ends up at the landfill. Even if it can be recycled, it takes added energy and fossil fuels to get them there and processed. What’s more, packaging costs more money. It’s often what you’re paying for at the grocery store. That’s why the bin section of the store is usually so much less expensive.
New studies have even pointed to issues with synthetic hormones in food packaging. Specifically, BPA and Phthalates. Organic or not, 92 percent of canned foods have BPA . Both of these synthetic hormones are associated with endocrine disruption. They’re linked to fertility problems and certain cancers.
For me canned beans has been the hardest thing to give up. But once I learned how to cook dry beans, it made a world of difference. Dried beans are easier on the system and they’re much tastier.
Here are some other tips for reducing the packaging in your life:
1. Prep Beans Beforehand
Beans are a main protein source in my house and constantly cooking them from scratch just isn’t an option. I prep a huge batch of beans on Sunday and Wednesday and enjoy them throughout the week. They’re super cheap, versatile, and green.
2. Cut Back on Condiments and Make Your Own
You don’t need a condiment for every use and many of those that you do need, you can make yourself. Consider making condiments as you need them. You don’t have to start all at once, but why not consider at least a few? Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started :
3. Keep it Fresh
Cut out canned fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Unless there’s a natural disaster you shouldn’t be eating produce from a can, it’s lost most of its nutrients. Find the beauty in small batches of local produce.
Like this? Follow my Twitter feed .
Read More:
Gas Prices Are Sky Rocketing: Why Mine Aren’t
In Honor of Earth Day Make a Huge Impact By Choosing Protein Carefully
Get Your B12 On a Vegan Diet