EAT-IVISM 101 – A CRASH COURSE
What is Eat-ivism? Eat-tivism is using your food choices to further social and ecological justice. In other words: ethical eating.
Food production has become rife with ecological issues (deforestation, greenhouse gasses, soil health degradation), human rights abuses (slavery, child labour, dangerous working conditions) and human health impacts (obesity, diabetes, heart disease, malnutrition, food deserts, food scarcity).
Frankly, it’s a real bummer. But we like to look at the bright side here at Savour Calgary and fortunately, there’s lots we can do to mitigate our impact without sacrificing our favourite foods.
Out and About? Choose eateries with seasonal menus and those who buy from local producers. (River Cafe, The Coup, Mondays Plant Cafe.) Don’t know about your favourite eatery? Ask! It may prompt them to think more about it if they aren’t already.
SAY NO TO FACTORY FARMS
Known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), factory farms pack as many animals into as small a space as possible to minimize the cost of raising each animal. The result is, well, cruel. And terrible for the planet. And for human health. Instead, find smaller, local producers.
GO LOCAL
Whether it’s at a grocery store or a farmers’ market, knowing who grew your food will help you make ethical choices. Were the chickens who laid your eggs footloose and fancy-free, or raised in cages stacked 10-high? Local producers known for ethical practices include: TK Ranch, Sunworks Farms and Lone Pine Colony and many others.
LOWER YOUR FOOD MILES
The average number of miles your food travels from farm to your Canadian plate is 3,000. So, how can we lessen the impact of eating fruits and vegetables year-round in our northern climate?
BUY IN SEASON
When you can buy a strawberry grown in Alberta vs. one grown in California…do it! Sunterra Market grows its Dutchess strawberries in its local greenhouse! Also, plan your meals around what’s fresh at the market.
DO THE CAN CAN
Once you’ve worked hard in your garden all summer, you’ll likely have way more than you need (we’re looking at you, zucchinis). Preserve the excess to enjoy your zero-commute vegetables all year long.
GROW YOUR OWN
We can actually grow quite a variety of vegetables in Calgary. From root vegetables to leafy greens, beans and tomatoes a Calgary gardener can eat well. And your food needs only travel from your backyard to your plate.
SAVE IT FROM THE LANDFILL
Eat Ugly: Grocery sellers offer “imperfect” produce that’s cheaper than the regular stuff and just as delicious and nutritious. Blush Lane has a program and check out Peko in “Shop Local” on Page 14.
Compost: Use your green bin. Use it properly. Pat yourself on the back.
It’s in the Bag: Legislation has forced us into this one because too many of us kept forgetting our cloth bags in the car (guilty!). You can also avoid plastic produce and bulk bags by bringing your own.
Upcycle: Did you know that local cidery SunnyCider will take those crabapples littering your lawn and make delicious drinks from them? The Food Bank, Veterans’ Food Bank and community fridges will also happily take things you won’t be eating.
THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG
Free run or cage free: They’re not in cages, but they’re still in the (usually rather small) barn.
Free range: They’re in the barn, but they can go outside into a limited area for part of the day when weather permits.
Pasture-raised: Chickens go where they want, when they want, forage for insects and grubs and live their best lives.
Pasture raised + organic: Requires access to shade and protection from predators among other enhancements.
CHOOSE YOUR SELLERS
Hit the Stalls: Many of the local producers you’ll find in your research will sell direct to you at farmers’ markets. We have plenty in the Calgary area all summer long and the Crossroads, Fresh & Local Market + Kitchens and the two Calgary Farmers’ Market locations have your back year-round.
Know your Neighbours: Bridgeland Market, Sunterra Market, Italian Centre Store, Empire Provisions, Sunnyside Natural Market, Community Natural Foods and dozens of small neighbourhood groceries are a great way to support the local economy and get some recommendations from the folks who know best.
Join a CSA: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects consumers with farmers where consumers pay for a share of the farm’s harvest up front and in return receive regular orders of fresh product (veggies, eggs, meat, flowers, grain, etc.) throughout the growing season. Check out yycgrowers.ca.
LOCAL, FABULOUS & SUSTAINABLE
CALGARY HERITAGE ROASTING CO.
canadianheritageroastingco.com
PHIL & SEBASTIAN
philsebastian.com
49TH PARALLEL COFFEE
49thcoffee.com
KICKING HORSE COFFEE
kickinghorsecoffee.com
COCOCO CHOCOLATIERS
cococochocolatiers.com
CHOKLAT
choklat.com
ROSE BROS
rosebros.ca
CŌCHU CHOCOLATIER
cochu.ca
LABEL LITERACY
Organic: Organic certification is a stringent process that requires producers and processors to adhere to a strict set of standards around things like pesticide use, GMOs, sustainable practices, animal welfare and others.
Certified Animal Welfare Approved: The only label that guarantees animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range for their entire lives on an independent farm using truly sustainable, high-welfare farming practices.
Certified Humane: Scientific research, veterinary advice, and the practical experience of farmers are used to develop and continuously update Animal Care Standards.
Global Animal Partnership: GAPs Animal Welfare Certified program uses a tiered labeling strategy signaling how animals were raised.
Ocean Wise: A simple system of Ocean Wise or Not Recommended using sustainability assessments modeled on Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch program.
Fair Trade: Fair Trade International certifies farmers, importers, traders, sellers and other participants in global trade who meet strict standards on economic, ecological and social justice impacts of their products and practices.
GMOs: Proponents say GMO produce is more nutritious, uses fewer pesticides and can make food more accessible. Detractors say it has a negative impact on biodiversity, can trigger allergies or allow gene transfer…whatever that is. If you’re concerned, the Non-GMO Project offers a verified seal shaped like a butterfly on products that meet its standards.
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