Green Your Gastronomy: Know Your Food

The days may be long and sweltering, but your meals can still be light on the stomach — and the Earth. This week's tips will help make your summer fare a bit greener.

Tip #1: Simplify, simplify.

Much of the food we eat is looks simple but isn't. Packaged foods — from pancake mix to lunch meat to canned soup — hide ingredients you'd never think of eating by themselves. Quick recipes to avoid additives abound on the internet, and cooking time isn't much longer than picking up the store-bought versions. This simplification can turn into a learning experience: Consider making a loaf of bread with your kids to show them it doesn't have to come from a plastic bag.

Tip #2: Cut the meat.

Tip #3: Investigate organics.

Tip #4: Reinvent leftovers.

Tell us: How do you green your food life?