Fruits and vegetables

Certified organic and biodynamic produce is grown without genetic modification, synthetic pesticides or use of fertilizer made from sewage sludge. Look for organic and biodynamic produce at your local farmers market and natural or conventional grocery store.

Fair-trade-certified produce is grown by farmers and workers in developing nations who receive a fair price for their product. Trade is done directly between farmer-owned cooperatives and buyers. Crops, including bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and grapes, are grown using soil and water conservation measures that restrict the use of harmful pesticides. To find out where fair-trade-certified products are sold, visit TransFair USA.

Heirloom varieties, while not identified by a particular eco-label, are traditional fruit and vegetable varieties that were raised before the onset of industrial agriculture, when biodiversity in produce began to dwindle. Look for heirloom varieties at your local farmers market or the Eat Well Guide. To learn more about heirloom varieties, visit Sustainable Table.

Difficulty level: Easy