Eat your greens

A trip to the supermarket can be a minefield of ethical dilemmas. Should you buy organic or Fairtrade bananas? Local, non-organic apples, or organic ones flown in from New Zealand? The truth is, there is no simple answer and you should aim to buy things that fit as many ethical and eco criteria as possible.

But perhaps the first question you should ask yourself as you wheel your trolley around the crowded supermarket aisles is whether you should be there at all. Friends of the Earth runs a campaign called Shop Local First because it is so concerned about the environmental impact of large supermarkets.

With their centralised distribution systems, global sourcing and emphasis on processed food, supermarkets are collectively responsible for huge amounts of carbon emissions. They also contribute to local pollution levels, and increased road building and congestion.

The way big supermarkets are set up encourages shoppers to travel relatively short distances by car, not the greenest way to drive. They usually have big car parks and are situated on out-of-town sites, or on the edge of towns.

Shop local

Local shops, meanwhile, foster a better sense of community and are more likely to be within walking distance of your house. And if they don’t stock the things you want, the chances are that they will if you talk to them.

When you are out food shopping, try to avoid products with unnecessary packaging. A loose apple, for example, is more eco-friendly than one wrapped in cellophane on a polystyrene tray. Many supermarkets use compostable plastic-like packaging on selected products, which can be a good option if you compost.

Choosing organic produce is good for the environment in many ways, but principally because it means less harmful chemicals are produced and spayed across the countryside. These pesticides are designed to kill bugs and pests, but they can be harmful to other beneficial, harmless species, which can in turn have a knock-on effect on entire ecosystems – especially when the chemicals seep through the soil and into rivers and lakes.

Is organic better for you?

Many people have questioned whether organic food really is healthier than non-organic produce, as is often claimed. There is evidence on both sides of the argument, but the biggest-ever study into organic food, funded by the European Union, found recently that organic fruit and vegetables contained as much as 40% more antioxidants, which scientists believe can cut the risk of cancer and heart disease – Britain’s biggest killers. They also had higher levels of beneficial minerals such as iron and zinc (source: Times Online).

Unfortunately, many people find that organic food simply costs too much. Before you jump to that conclusion, however, have a close look in your shopping basket. Pre-prepared food, no matter how cheap and poor quality, is likely to cost more per meal than a dish made from fresh organic ingredients. So learning to cook from scratch is one way to afford organic produce.

Grow your own

Another option is to grow your own. It may require a bit of effort, but if you have some space in your garden, or you can secure a plot at your local allotment, then growing your own vegetables is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do – particularly if you do it organically. No pesticides, no transport costs, no packaging, ultimate freshness and a warm glow of satisfaction. Just perfect.

If you don’t have a garden or an allotment, even a potted tomato plant on a window ledge, or seed sprouter in your kitchen can provide you with some healthy, fresh produce – and save you some money at the same time.

This article was written by Adharanand Finn, Guardian columnist and author of Make A Difference At Work (Pan Macmillan).

If you’ve got a question about this article or any other green issues, you can email Adharanand (link to mailto:adharanand.finn@sevensquared.co.uk). The best questions will be posted on this site, along with advice from our resident green expert.

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