One of the most important things I do as a mother is encourage my family to eat a healthy diet. For all that they do to go green to make our planet healthy and happy, it’s important that I do all that I can to keep them feeling the same. There is an undeniable connection between the health of our planet and our overall wellbeing so it’s important that we recognize that the foundation of a sustainable diet, one that focuses on local, seasonal, and organic foods, can help us reach that desired balance.

As we delve further into the green movement we are becoming more aware of the food we eat, especially those produced using conventional growing methods. Due in part to the demand for food from our ever-growing world population, fruits and vegetables are most commonly raised using pesticides and fertilizers to speed their growth. Because of these chemically saturated growing practices, over 3,000 chemicals have been found in our food supply with another 10,000 chemical solvents, emulsifiers, and preservatives found as a result from food processing. The realities of these added toxins are presenting themselves as burdens to our health, like neurological disorders, hormone imbalances, and cancers, as well jeopardizing our life support system, clean air and water.

For the complete story, pick up the current issue of Southern Seasons magazine, available on newsstands now or by subscription

Laura Turner Seydel is a national eco-living expert and chair of the Captain Planet Foundation. For more eco-living tips visit www.lauraseydel.com.