How to Have a Slower, Greener Lunch

This is part three of a five part series about Earth Day, and how you can implement small changes to make a difference everyday.

Lunch is quick. If you're like most Americans, you grab something fast. Take-out from a sub shop, fast food from a hamburger joint, or maybe a salad in a plastic container from cafe. When food is quick, unfortunately it never tastes as good. Is there a way that you can make your lunch last longer, and be more enjoyable? The answer is to get the word "fast" out of your lunch. Being concerned less with the quantity and more with the quality will leave your more satisfied and healthy. Another nice side benefit is that the environment will reap the benefits, too.

Slowing down your lunch is going to take a little bit of extra planning, a change in your current habits. Here are some of the ingredients you'll need for a slower lunch:

* Someone to talk to
* Reusable containers (no disposables allowed)
* Something that involves little packaging

So how will you make time for your new, slower lunch?

1. Switch your lunch hour to a time when there are less lines at restaurants. Bump it up 15 minutes, or change it to one hour later. By changing the time, you'll avoid the lines at most restaurants and be able to enjoy your lunch more (and think more about what you're eating).
2. Eat lighter instead of heavy. Lighter foods are easier to eat, so you'll be able to eat them slower, and you won't feel bogged down after you eat it.
3. Know the busy lunch days for restaurants around your workplace, and skip eating out on those days. Opt for eating in on those days instead.

How eating slower will help the environment:

1. Eating slower means you'll eat less. By eating less, you'll be consuming less packaging, less disposable utensils, less napkins, and less money.
2. Slower eating means you'll be able to tell when you're full. This means you'll be losing pounds, and losing weight can help the environment.
3. You'll be able to think about what you're eating, and that way, you can improve your diet by eating more veggies and fruits.

Keep reading this blog for more Earth Day tips and updates all day long!