The environment has been under a microscope by scientists and environmentalists for years; but many common citizens of this Earth have decided to change their ways at home by recycling, composting, or taking public transportation; however, one of the biggest ways they are contributing to carbon emissions is by their food’s transportation. Here are the four easiest ways to eat in a sustainable way:

1. Shop produce at your local farmer’s market for seasonal goods.

Do you think lettuce from Argentina or the farm 20 miles away from your house produced more carbon emissions? Local farmers are the primary contributors to farmers markets around the nation (imagine that), which reduces the carbon emissions substantially in the transportation sector alone. Shopping seasonally also guarantees the same benefits.

2. Minimize meat and purchase from a farm closest to you.

The meat industry in the United States is not clean in many aspects. The way the industrial livestock farming has been ran proves to be detrimental to animal’s and the environment’s health. The mass population of a species in small containments, as pictured above, proves to breed disease and waste issues. The animals’ waste infests their living quarters as well as near-by water sources, from dumping, and removal from the industrial premises.

3. Eat seafood that is not a product of over fishing.

Over fishing is a mass issue that is the result of human consumption. But consumers can easily keep track of their impact with an amazing, pocket-sized guide provided by Oceana.Org. There is also an iPhone app available for download, check out “Seafood Watch” in the apple store.

4. Purchase products with reusable, recyclable, or minimal packaging.

Everyone loves their favorite childhood cereal from time-to-time, and It is important for consumers to enjoy the food they purchase; likewise, It is just as essential to be mindful of where the packaging will end up when there is no more product.