Ask the Expert: How does your grocery list impact the Potomac River?
5 tips & tricks for shopping with clean water in mind
RIVER-FRIENDLY GROCERY SHOPPING GOES BEYOND SKIPPING THE PLASTIC.
Reusable shopping bags? Check. Avoiding plastics? Check. You’re already a nature-loving, eco-conscious shopper - so how do you level up your grocery skills to really make a difference for our hometown river?
Every step of grocery production impacts clean water. From the way our food is farmed, packaged, and delivered, it can feel overwhelming to choose products and practices that support the Potomac River and our local environment. That’s why we turned to our friends at MOM’s Organic Market for 5 tips to help you navigate the shelves and add a clean Potomac River to your grocery list.
1. Go Organic!
ALL ORGANIC PRODUCE DEPARTMENT AT MOM’S ORGANIC MARKET .
Industrial farming practices are a huge source of polluted runoff into our local streams and rivers.
Agricultural runoff and the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers harm the health of our water quality and the wildlife that drinks it. Organic farming is free of these pollutants and is a restorative measure for groundwater preservation.
Start by choosing organic products when possible - then get involved in the local movement! The Go Organic MD campaign promotes legislation that protects our local waterways from toxic pesticides.
2. Buy in bulk and BYOC
Stores like MOM’s Organic Market carry a wide variety of bulk items that you can bring home in your own reusable containers!
MOM’s encourages you to bring your own containers (BYOC) for bulk shopping to avoid plastic and packaging waste.
Bonus: You save money! Bulk products don’t have the extra cost of packaging built into them. (And yes, bulk shopping is still possible and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic).
3. Choose sustainable seafood
Blue catfish is an Invasive species...But it can Also be delicious!
Your seafood choices affect the health of the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the oceans.
MOM’s partners with the Wide Net Project to reduce local populations of invasive (but delicious!) blue catfish. Since being introduced to the region as a sportfish, blue catfish have become a burden on our ecosystem. Because of their abundant population and voracious appetites, they pose a serious threat to native fish species and vegetation, including Maryland blue crab. For every pound of catfish purchased at MOM’s, 2 portions (or 2 meals) are donated to those in need.
MOM’s only sells sustainable seafood. Their standards are formulated through the expertise provided by our partners at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.
4. Support local farmers and purchase a CSA share
Photo Courtesy of Moon Valley Farms InstAGram.
Small, local organic farms are doing a service to the environment and their success sets an example for other farmers. So how can you best support them?
Community-supported agriculture (CSA) closely connects producers and consumers by allowing consumers to subscribe to the harvest of a certain farm or group of farms. Members pay for their shares upfront, and the farm is able to buy seeds and supplies to support their farm for the season.
MOM’s Organic Market can connect you to a local farm and you can pick up your weekly or bi-weekly produce box at one of their store locations!
5. Finally, the most important clean water tip…
Become a clean water advocate and defend clean water laws.
Legislation passed at the federal, state, and local level will have a greater long-term impact on our river than any grocery list you make.
While you can’t fight for environmental protections in the produce aisle, you can follow Mom’s Organic Market on social media or check out their online action center for lots of ways to get involved locally. Or, get started today as a Potomac Conservancy advocate >
Use your voice to pass strong water protection laws in your community!
About the Expert: Mom’s Organic Market
Founded in 1987, MOM's has grown to become the Mid-Atlantic region's premier chain of family owned and operated organic grocery stores. MOM's Purpose is to protect and restore the environment.