Sustainable Grocery Shopping

There are many ways to be environmentally responsible when shopping for food. Here are a few tips.

Bring Reusable Shopping Bags

Americans use approximately 100 billion single-use plastic bags each year, which accumulate in landfills and waterways and never truly decompose. Some states have banned disposable bags, but many still permit them. Come prepared to the grocery store with reusable bags to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Shop the Perimeter

Food packaging and containers make up 23 percent of landfill waste. Shop around the perimeter of the store as much as possible to find the freshest, healthiest foods with the least amount of packaging, such as produce, bulk items, dairy, fresh fish and meat. Bulk items like nuts, dry beans, coffee, tea and grains can be purchased in exactly the amount needed with no packaging.

Plan Ahead

The average American wastes about 21 percent of the food they buy, which equates to about $1,800 a year. To avoid overbuying and shrink the carbon footprint of multiple shopping trips, plan meals a week (or month) ahead and come with a shopping list organized by the sections or aisles of the store.

Shop Local and In Season

Local produce has a drastically smaller carbon footprint than fruits and vegetables that must travel long distanc- es by truck, airplane or ship. Buying local, in-season produce reduces waste because the produce is fresher when purchased and will not spoil as quickly at home. If the family’s diet includes meats, choose pasture-raised, grass-fed products from farmers that practice regenerative organic agriculture, which improves the quality of the land and maintains local ecosystems.

Read Labels

Choose foods that were produced with the environment in mind by looking for the following labels, seals and certifications:

n USDA Organic

n Biodynamic (BDA) for food produced without chemical pesticides or herbicides, using organic, non-GMO seeds n Non-GMO Project Verified for foods that were not genetically engineered n FAIRTRADE Mark and Fair Trade Certified for food producers committed to reasonable wages and the safe, fair treatment of workers n Climate Neutral Certified for food manufacturers committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions n Safe Catch for sustainably caught fish n Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) for sustainably farmed seafood

Unwrapped Egg Roll Noodles

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 cup green cabbage, finely shredded

1 cup purple cabbage, finely shredded

½ cup carrot, finely shredded

¼ onion, sliced

½ cup peanut butter

3 Tbsp coconut aminos

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp garlic

Salt to taste

Konjac noodles (optional)

Sesame seeds

In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until softened. Add shredded chicken, cabbage, carrot, coconut aminos, remaining sesame oil, garlic and salt to taste. Once the cabbage has wilted and cooked, add the

Sushi Bites

YIELD: 10 SERVINGS

1½ cups cooked sushi rice, cooled

3 sheets nori paper

SALMON OR MUSSELS

1 lb boneless, skinless wild-caught sockeye salmon, cubed (can substitute with mussels)

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

½ tsp garlic powder

2 Tbsp coconut amino teriyaki sauce

Salt to taste

SPICY MAYO

¼ cup avocado mayo

2 tsp sriracha sauce

1 tsp coconut aminos

TOPPINGS

½ avocado, diced small

2 tsp black sesame seeds peanut butter. Mix in noodles.

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside to cool. Mix spicy mayo ingredients and set aside.

Serve hot, sprinkled with sesame seeds. For a vegan or vegetarian alternative, omit the chicken.

Used with permission of Madiha

Mix salmon ingredients and set aside. Cut each nori sheet into four equal squares.

Line a muffin pan with unbleached muffin liners. To each nori square, add about 1 tablespoon of rice and top with the salmon mixture. Transfer the filled squares to the muffin pan. Bake 15 to 17 minutes for salmon or 7 to 10 minutes for mussels. Allow the sushi bites to cool slightly and top with avocado, sesame seeds and a drizzle of spicy mayo.

Used with permission of Madiha

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Help Wanted

FAIRHOPE SUNFLOWER CAFE IS LOOKING TO HIRE full- and part-time cooks. The Cafe is open for lunch MondaySunday 10:30am-3pm. Apply in store or call Sunflower Cafe 251-929-0055.

OSTEOSTRONG IS NOW HIRING SESSION COACHES. Seeking full- and parttime motivated individuals to join our team who love people and want to be a part of the next generation of the health and wellness, biohacking! Must have high energy, great personality, and some knowledge of fitness or kinesiology. Call 251-210-6955 or email Fairhope@OsteoStrong.me.

Services

ACUPUNTURE & DRY NEEDLING –Holistic wellness care for the whole family addresses a wide variety of health concerns beyond just pain: Back, neck and joint pain, fatigue, allergies, fertility, hormone balance, sleep, stress, anxiety, headaches, neuropathy, sports injuries and more. Daphne Clinic, 6384 Bayfront Park Dr., 251-201-9303. AlMaxwellness.com.

ATTENTION PEOPLE WHO ARE STUCK. LOOKING FOR A LIFESTYLE CHANGE? Struggling to prioritize healthier choices? Get focused, get active, make a plan. Michelle Smith, Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach will take you by the hand and build change by designing customized BEST PRACTICES for your life. Find out how. 251635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.

Sundays

Discounts on Supplements – Every Sunday 15% off supplements at Fairhope Health Foods (251-928-0644) and Virginia’s Health Foods (251479-3952). 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL and 3055-A Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com.

Spiritual Awakening Center Sunday Community Service – 10:30am. In person and streaming LIVE at FaceBook.com/Sac360.org. Join Rev. Jack Fowler and a loving, inclusive spiritual community for an inspired morning of music, message and encouragement. We honor all spiritual paths, religions and lifestyles, believing the presence of God is found within all living beings. We are grateful to see humanity awaken to its spiritual magnificence. You are a part of this transformation. We meet at CoWork Daphne, 25369 US-98, Daphne, AL (next to Badcock Furniture). Spiritual Awakening Center 360, P.O. Box 848, Daphne. Sac360.org@gmail.com. Sac360.org.

Eastern Shore UNITY Sunday Celebration – 10:30am. We do “church” differently. Don’t believe in God? You are welcome here. In person, streaming on Facebook @UnityEasternShore or via Zoom. Rev. Linda Fisher, Bobbi Jo Machholz, and various local and national guest speakers present a metaphysical message each week. Live music on the first Sunday by Larry Andrews. Brenda Bledsoe plays Native American Flute on the second Sunday of the month. Empowering people on their journey with practical, progressive teachings that ignite spiritual awakening and transformation. We honor all religions, spiritual paths and lifestyles. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com.

Fairhope Unitarian Sunday Service – 11amnoon. Held inside and streamed on Zoom. Different guest speakers each week—either a member of our congregation or someone from the surrounding community. Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope, AL. FairhopeUnitarian Fellowship@gmail.com. FairhopeUU.org.

Mobile Bay Makers Market – 11am-3pm, 2nd and 4th Sundays. Open air, sustainably driven market showcasing 25+ local artisans and growers. Music. Food trucks. Year-round, family and dog friendly. Free. South Park of Fairhope Pier, Fairhope, AL. MBMakersMarket@gmail.com.

Conversations on ‘A Course in Miracles’ – noon. (Immediately after Sunday Service) 2nd and 4th Sundays. Scripture tells us that Adam fell into a deep sleep yet is there never a mention of him waking up. We are collectively experiencing this

‘Awakening’ now as our eyes are finally opening to the Truth of our spiritual magnificence. Join Rev. Jack Fowler for a discussion of these life-altering concepts that teach us to see the world through the eyes of love instead of fear. Donations accepted. Meet at: CoWork Daphne, 25369 US-98, Daphne (next to Badcock Furniture). Spiritual Awakening Center 360, P.O. Box 848, Daphne. Sac360.org@ gmail.com. Sac360.org.

Ecstatic Dance – 6:30-8pm, 1st and 3rd Sundays. Explore the wisdom of your body and connect with your intuition through free-form dance. This is a safe space for releasing stagnant energy and emotions to find self-expression and freedom within. No experience required, only openness and curiosity. $25. The Yoga Hive Studio, 1901 Main Street, Daphne, AL. Facebook.com/EcstaticDanceFairhope. Contact Rebecca Washburn at Dance@RebeccaWashburn. com or 251-929-4634.

MONDAYS

Qigong & Tai Chi Drop-in Sessions – 6pm. Casual movement sessions with James Harkins. Any skill level from novice to expert are welcome to come and move with Jim. A spiritual practice can change your health and well being. Unity on the Eastern Shore, 22979 US HWY-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com. UnityEasternShore. wixsite.com/unity.

TUESDAYS

Open Door Drop-in Sessions – Noon-3pm. First Tuesday each month and by appointment. Drop-in and chat with our spiritual advisor/minister. Empowering people on their journey with practical, progressive teachings that ignite spiritual awakening and transformation. 22979 US-98, Fairhope, AL. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com. UnityEastern Shore.wixsite.com/unity.

SATURDAYS

Tai Chi & Qigong – 2nd, 3rd & 4th Saturdays, 7am-10am. Tai Chi for the first 2 hours & Qigong from 9-10am. Join Jim Harkins for an interactive hour of Mind, Body, and Spirit rejuvenation. 22979 US HWY 98, Fairhope.

Tai Chi & Restorative Yoga Morning Workshop – First Saturday of the Month, 9am-noon. Join Jim Harkins for three hours of Mind, Body, Spirit rejuvenation. Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation – Spiritual Movement practices. Beginners and newbies welcomed. $25 donation to UES is suggested but not mandatory. 22979 US HWY 98, Fairhope.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, April 8

Unity on the Eastern Shore Community Yard Sale – 9am. Unity is spring cleaning and you can benefit from our unwanted treasures. Drop by and pick up an item or two for free. We will be collecting items from our spiritual community all month to select from. We’ll have household items, small furniture, clothing, artwork, gardening items, etc. We want to share our GOOD with you. Donations welcome. We’ll also be collecting cereal and snack items for Emmy’s Food Pantry. If you have an item you’d like to donate, please email us for drop-off instructions. UnityEasternShore@gmail.com. See ad, page 18.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, April 22

Earth Day Mobile Bay 2023 – 10am-6pm. The Gulf Coast’s largest Earth Day Celebration! Earthfriendly exhibitors and activities, live music all day long, art & educational activities for all ages, inspiring positive environmental solutions. Sponsored by Earth Day Mobile Bay volunteers, the City of Fairhope and the Sierra Club Mobile Bay Group. Fairhope Pier Park, Fairhope, AL. FREE ADMISSION. EarthDayMobileBay.org. See ad, page 4.

Mark Your Calendar

Saturday, April 29

Bald Eagle Bash – 4-7pm. The 13th Annual Bald Eagle Bash–the Alabama Gulf Coast’s Party for Preservation is an annual fundraiser for South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) and has earned a reputation for delivering great food, great music and a great time at beautiful Weeks Bay. Includes fresh Gulf shrimp prepared by local chefs and restaurants, a low country shrimp boil, delectable desserts, beer from Fairhope Brewing and Braided River Brewing and a great selection of wine. Musical entertainment features Nashville-based LadyCouch and Mobile-based Dial Street Band. Tonsmeire Weeks Bay Resource Center, 11525 US-98, Fairhope. Purchase tickets online, SouthAlabamaLandTrust.org/Bald-EagleBash. See ad, page 11.

Mark Your Calendar

August 5-15

Above and Beyond Yoga India Retreat – August 5-15. 10-day yoga retreat with Shoshana Treichel and Nrithya Jagannathan (director of KYM Institute of Yoga Studies). Visit several well-known locations including Mysore, Chennai, Pondicherry and the world-renowned Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. For more information or to register, contact Jake Treichel at Jake@ABHotYoga.com or 251-639-9030. See ad, page 8.

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