Finding Sustainable Seafood Is A Lot Easier Than You May Think
Staying aware of environmental issues can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. Sure, we’d all like to ride our bikes more and use less gas but when you’re in a hurry to run to the supermarket 15 miles away, driving feels like your only option. The problem with issues like global warming is the solution appears so far away, sometimes it feels like all we can do is sit on our hands and express discontent while scientists fumble to find a sustainable form of fuel. Luckily for those concerned with welfare of the oceans, the solution to a major threat against our watery world is just a couple clicks away.
Today, there are numerous ways you can find sustainable seafood and here are a few of my favorites. Remember, as this issue is almost completely dependent on the economic market place, every little purchase you make counts.
The Right Bite Program
If you’re not too technologically savvy and prefer the good old fashioned tradition of reading words on paper, the Shedd Aquarium brings you this easy guide to figuring out what species of seafood to go for and what to avoid. If you’re near the Shedd, you can pick up a pamphlet on your next trip; they’re the perfect size and shape to fit into your average wallet and it’s easy to make a habit of keeping the list with you wherever you go. If not, you can print out the guide yourself. It features three lists: a list of seafood that you seriously want to avoid, a list of seafood that is “ok” and a list of seafood that would make a great choice. Shedd has also partnered with several vendors in and around the Chicago-land area. That way, any time you visit their restaurants you know their seafood is a safe and healthy choice. And lastly, if you enjoy cooking, you can always check out the Shedd’s list of recipes.
NatGeo’s Seafood Decision Guide
Once again, National Geographic prevails in being awesome by presenting their interactive guide to smart seafood. Simply check whatever species of ocean critter you’re interested in and they’ll provide you with three rankings based on the food’s sustainability, mercury levels and Omega 3 content. You can also learn what level of the food chain the species you’re looking at is in. If you’re more open minded about what’s for dinner tonight, you can use their filters to browse options or search for food that’s best for people with heart issues or expecting mothers. If my description still leaves you perplexed on how to work this guide, Natgeo has courteously put together a little video to help out.
Seafood Watch
Cell phone junkies, never fear, there is indeed an app (and a website) for that. It’s brought to you by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and holds a larger wealth of information than the other two put together, plus the fact that it’s always just a tap away means it’s 10 times more convenient as well. Oh, and did I mention it’s free? You can search specific species or brands, browse through their sushi guide, find some delicious recipes and even read up on the issues threatening our ocean. Ten out of ten, this app is my favorite. Interested in the Aquarium’s partners on this project? There’s quite a few.
In all, with the wealth of information available to the average consumer nowadays, there’s really no reason to continue making purchases that put the oceans at risk. Taking those extra 30 seconds to a minute to check your pocket guide or your app can make a legitimate impact on the future of our oceans. Remember, what you eat makes a difference.
