Food For Thought

  • Start Simple

    There are several easy ways to start eating and consuming more sustainably:

    Eat seasonally - check out this Seasonal Food Guide to find what foods are in season near you.

    Consume less meat and processed foods - try “Meatless Mondays."

    Buy sustainably and ethically sourced foods - for example, look for fair trade and sustainable seafood certification labels.

    Learn more about where your food comes from and try to limit the distance food travels to your plate.

    Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store.

    Purchase food products with no or minimal packaging.

    Eliminate single-use kitchen and eating items, such as paper towels, disposable plates, and plastic utensils.

  • Reducing Food Waste

    Around one-third of the food supply in the U.S. turns into food waste, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This wastes significant resources used for growing and transporting foods and contributes to the accumulation of solid waste and the production of methane gas in local landfills.

    We can all do our part to help reduce food waste by using foods before they go bad, buying only what we need, planning menus ahead, eating leftovers, using the freezer to extend the storage life of foods, and being more mindful eaters.

    Not all fruits and vegetables should be stored in the same way so learning to store produce properly is another way to make it last as long as possible. Check out this article on food storage and pantry organization with lots of ideas for preventing food from being thrown into landfills, also helping to save you money.

  • Home Hydroponics

    Home hydroponic systems are becoming more common as a way for people to grow their own food year-round. Hydroponics involves growing plants without soil in a solution of water and nutrients. Lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and herbs are commonly grown hydroponically by both individuals and at large-scale production facilities.

    Many commercial hydroponic products are available for purchase, but big and small DIY systems can also be built for minimal cost. Combined with energy-efficient grow lights, a hydroponic system can help you grow fresh produce throughout the entire year.

    For advice on how to start a hydroponic garden, click here.

    A hydroponic equipment supplier with knowledgeable staff can also be found locally here.

Think Global, Eat Local!

  • Shop Locally

    Farmers markets and stores that sell local produce are a great source for local foods. Not only is food produced locally more delicious and nutritious, it also helps to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions caused from shipping food long distances and helps to support local community members.

    Check out the Black Hills Farmers Market, Breadroot Food Co-op, The Market, and Staple & Spice Market.

  • Join a CSA

    Another option for supporting local producers is to join a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture food share program, where you sign up for food baskets/boxes for pick up or delivery on a scheduled basis. A variety of seasonal produce grown only a few miles from your home is normally included.

    To find a CSA in your area, check out Local Harvest.

  • Grow Your Own Food

    From patio, container, raised bed, and in-ground to community gardens, there are so many possibilities for growing your own food. Although gardening might entail some up-front costs, foods grown at or near home are great for your health and the environment and can save you money in the long run.

    SDSU Extension provides lots of locally tailored information on gardening and also has a hotline to call for advice from Master Gardeners here. Also look out for local plant shares and seed swaps in the spring.

  • Can or Preserve Foods You Grow

    Canning and preserving foods for year-round consumption is a great way to enjoy your summer garden throughout the other seasons and helps to reduce food waste.

    Learn more and get recipes from SDSU Extension here.

  • Support Local Farmers & Ranchers

    Farmers and ranchers using sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices understand the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for growing crops and raising livestock. Not overusing the land and keeping soils healthy over time is good for both the planet and business.

    To find local producers in South Dakota, check out the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association. And learn more about improving soil health from the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.

Composting at Home

Composting food scraps and organic material at home is another great way to keep food waste from reaching the landfill and can be used as a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch in gardens and yards.

From small containers kept on kitchen counters to backyard bins, composting can be done on any scale that works for you. Vermicomposting (worm composting) is another method of composting which takes up little space, can be done indoors or outdoors, and has no odor if properly maintained.

Common foods used in composting include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells, but these should be mixed with carbon-rich materials, such as leaves or shredded paper, as wells as air and water, to ensure a proper balance of materials.

Pollinators and Food Production

Scientists estimate pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and birds, are responsible for about 35% of the world’s food production (source: USDA).

Unfortunately, pollinator populations are on the decline from loss of habitat and pesticide use, threatening the health of ecosystems and food production both in the U.S. and globally.

You can help protect pollinators by:

  • Planting pollinator-friendly habitat

  • Eliminating or limiting the use of pesticides

  • Limiting mowing in the spring to provide early season food sources

  • “Leaving the leaves” in your yard each fall to provide winter shelter

  • Providing nesting sites, such as trees, logs, shrubs, brush piles, and bee boxes

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