By Reina Hasting
Earth Day is tomorrow. According to the Library of Congress, it was first observed on April 22, 1970, when an estimated 20 million people nationwide attended the inaugural events at tens of thousands of sites including elementary and secondary schools, universities, and community sites across the United States. Later that year in July, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established in response to the growing public demand for cleaner water, air, and land with a mission to protect the environment and public health, which still stands today.
We don’t know the exact date of when the Earth came to be, but scientists estimate it to be 4.54 billion years old. Like each of us, the Earth is unique. The third planet from the sun, it’s close enough to be warm, yet far enough for its surface not to be exposed to the sun’s extreme heat and solar radiation. This makes it possible for the planet to contain water in all its forms (liquid, ice and gas). The Earth holds the past, present and future of life, so let’s celebrate it every day. One way to celebrate is by trying to make healthier choices.
Choose to eat whole foods or traditional foods instead of processed foods. Food in its natural state can be an affordable and healthy way to eat. Fruits, vegetables, plants from the land, nuts, seeds, whole grains (some examples: brown rice, wild rice, barley, oats), beans, eggs, unprocessed meats, fish and shellfish are some examples of whole foods. When making traditional foods, you can control what is added, limiting added sugars, salts and fats. Consuming whole foods and minimally processed foods (such as frozen and canned) can help us stay healthy.
Some things are easier said than done in Alaska, as we know it can be hard to access fresh fruits and vegetables year-round, especially in rural areas. Here are some tips from Alaska SNAP-Ed Every Bite Counts that may help individuals and rural store owners:
• It’s not as difficult as you think! We’re lucky in Alaska, as we have fresh, canned, and frozen options, as well as greens and berries from the land!
• Find fruits and vegetables in the produce section, frozen foods, and in the canned and pantry food aisles. Remember, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables last much longer than fresh.
• Buy in-season produce. It is usually less expensive and at its peak flavor. If you can’t eat it before it spoils, cut it up and freeze it to enjoy later, like in a breakfast smoothie or soup.
• Quality canned produce is just as nutritious as fresh fruits and veggies and often costs less. Choose fruit canned in 100% fruit juice and vegetables with “low-sodium” or “no salt added” on the label.
• If you have the freezer space, buy frozen fruits and vegetables without additives. They are as good for you as fresh and may cost less.
Have a wonderful time celebrating Earth Day your own way and remember small consistent changes over time can reap health benefits.
Reina Hasting is a coordinator with Extension’s Family Nutrition Program, administered by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service in cooperation with the U.S.D.A. Contact her at rhhasting@alaska.edu or 907-474-2437.
