If you are looking for a simple, fun, and delicious way to celebrate our planet, consider eating more green this Earth Day! On Earth Day, we are reminded of the importance of going green. For some, this means participating in a clean-up effort, planting a tree, or simply taking the time to educate themselves on sustainability.
In an effort to support environmentally friendly practices, consider shopping for community supported agriculture and buying locally grown produce at either a farmers market or your neighborhood grocery store. Through supporting the efforts of proximal farmers, we can help reduce emissions from production and transportation.
In New Jersey, April is the peak season for harvesting delicious green vegetables such as artichokes and asparagus.
Artichokes are an excellent source of fiber and vitamin K, and they can be roasted, steamed, boiled, fried, grilled, or even eaten raw.
Asparagus is also an excellent source of vitamin K as well as folate. In addition to traditional green, asparagus can be found in white and purple varieties.
If you’re looking to flex your green thumb, consider taking the time to plant some vegetables of your own. Gardening is a wonderful way to improve the environment we live in, and it could be a great learning experience as well. To continue with the green theme, consider planting kale and collards, lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, or snow peas.
Preparing a green spinach smoothie for breakfast, a simple salad with arugula and avocado for lunch, or roasted asparagus for dinner would be a wonderful and nutritious way to celebrate Mother Nature’s day.
Consider making this a family-friendly activity by getting everyone involved with shopping, preparation, and clean-up! If you are looking for a tasty and seasonable recipe, try the “Lemony Artichoke Pasta Salad” recipe provided below!
Here’s to thinking green, going greet, and eating green this Earth Day!
Lauren Odermann is a dietetic student and a member of NJAND and on the social media team.
