Everyone can buy and prepare food in ways that have a less harmful impact on the planet. A few ideas:
* Stay natural. Any processing of food -- taking bran out of grain to make white bread or pre-packaging meals -- requires energy and increases carbon dioxide emissions. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain products.
* Think local. Look for food and drinks grown or packaged close to home, rather than those that have made long journeys. Great bets: in-season produce, wines from local vineyards and foods from farmers' markets or gardens.
* Eat less fast food. Fast-food restaurants produce tons of non-biodegradable trash, from wrappers to straws to plastic utensils. Home-cooked meals are almost always healthier, too.
* Ditch the water bottles. Assuming your tap water is of good quality, choose that over bottled brands that often are shipped from far away. If you need water on the go, fill up a thermos.
* Don't waste food. Buy only amounts you know you'll finish before the expiration date and stretch leftovers into meals.
* Carry re-useable grocery bags. You'll cut down production of plastic and paper bags; neither is good for the environment.
* Eat less red meat. Larger animals, cows in particular, produce lots of carbon dioxide through their manure. Health-wise, choose lean cuts of meat -- top round roast or pork tenderloin, for example -- when you do buy it.
* Be cold. Whenever possible and safe, eat raw foods (vegetables, in particular) rather than using energy to heat them and possibly drain nutrients.
How-to is a weekly feature on health, nutrition and fitness.