Informational/Procedural Knowledge

In order for people to understand the need for a more sustainable food system, they must use both informational and procedural knowledge. For the former, I'd suggest reading books like Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer or In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Documentaries like Food, Inc. and Fresh are also a great place to start.

Procedural knowledge, on the other hand, isn't quite as easily acquired. You just might have to leave your couch to attain it. In the long run, however, it leaves a more lasting impression; one that will hopefully change the way you think about the food you eat. Here are some things you can do to become a more informed eater:

-Shop for fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy at local farm stands and farmer's markets. By doing so, you support local business and get to see where your food is coming from.

-Avoid packaged foods at all costs. Better yet, try and stay away from the bulk of supermarket aisles. All the good stuff is found on the outskirts of the store anyway.

-Plant your own garden. Share leftover fruits, herbs, and vegetable with neighbors and friends. 

-Play detective. If there is something in a snazzy package that you really love eating, try and find out what goes into it, and how far it had to travel to get to your stomach. Then ask yourself if it was really worth it.

-Try and eat fruits and vegetables that are local and in season.