Eat & Shop Sustainably This Earth Day

We should all be living sustainably year-round, but it’s especially important as we approach Earth Day on April 22. The day, designated in 1970, is a reminder that our small, everyday choices can have a major impact on the world around us.

 Earth Day activities range in scale from global community cleanups to local festivals that demonstrate how to live an eco-friendly life. Everyone can get involved in Earth Day by planting pollinator-friendly native gardens, composting, recycling, or simply planting a tree.

 Living sustainably also means being intentional in where you spend your money. Sure, big-box stores are convenient, but they have a major environmental impact. High-carbon supply chains, excessive packaging, and energy-guzzling buildings mean they aren’t always the best choice for those looking to help the Earth. Similarly, chain restaurants are known for their excessive waste, single-use packaging, and reliance on conventional meat and dairy, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.  

 This Earth Day, consider going green by shopping at eco-friendly stores, patronizing sustainable restaurants, and getting food directly from those who grow it by shopping at farmers’ markets in the Sacramento Area. The following are some ideas.

 Eco-Friendly Shops in the Sacramento Region

•  Ecojoyous, Old Sacramento: This shop in Old Sac aims to reduce single-use plastic by reducing, reusing, and recycling! They have a refillery program, so you can stock up on essentials like shampoo and detergents. They also sell eco-friendly products such as bamboo cutlery, reusable totes, and locally made gifts.
• Community Mercantile, Davis: The aim of this shop in Davis is to reduce consumer culture and, by default, waste. They sell gently used home goods such as furniture, bedding, pet supplies, and much more. They also have a library of things where you can check out tools, much like a library book. They also host classes on topics such as upcycling.
• Rutherford Reserve, Auburn: Located in downtown Auburn, this quaint shop has a low-waste refillery model, allowing customers to purchase the amount they need. Products are non-toxic and all-natural, including everything from lotion and air freshener to biodegradable cleaners to dishwasher powder. They also offer eco-friendly products such as compressed, reusable towels and dryer balls.
• Midnight Kin, Placerville: This charming shop in Placerville specializes in natural, healthy, handmade goods. They offer handmade home goods such as ceramics and linens, wooden toys, and all-natural body products. They also sell sustainable essentials such as wooden toothbrushes, reusable paper towels, and reusable straws.

 Sustainable Restaurants & Cafés Near Sacramento

 Mulvaney’s B&L, Sacramento: Located in Midtown Sacramento, Mulvaney’s was doing farm-to-fork before farm-to-fork was cool. This fine-dining spot focuses on locally produced ingredients (shorter transportation = less fuel) and farms that employ sustainable farming practices. They use every part of the animal so that nothing goes to waste, recycle everything, and use biodegradable to-go cutlery made from sugarcane. They compost religiously, meaning they’re more than 99 percent landfill-free, and send excess food directly to homeless services. Oh, and did we mention their food is delicious too? The menu changes daily to reflect what’s in season.

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 The Hive, Woodland: Housed in a zero-net energy facility in Woodland, this honey- and bee-themed restaurant and event space is good for the Earth in more ways than one. For starters, the building is designed with sustainability in mind, with solar power, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as high-efficiency appliances. But outside is where the magic really happens. They have a 2-acre pollinator garden that is 100 percent organic — no pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. But best of all, you can sample local honey and mead, or grab a meal made from local, seasonal ingredients.

 Curiosity Café, Sacramento: Located in the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity near Old Sacramento, this zero-carbon, all-electric eatery is designed to showcase what the future of sustainable dining can be. They use energy-efficient electric cooking equipment, which significantly reduces emissions. They also use locally sourced ingredients to reduce environmental impact and support local farmers. They offer rice bowls, sandwiches, wraps, and salads and include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Photo Courtesy of Almighty Bistro, El Dorado Hills

 Almighty Bistro, El Dorado Hills: This friendly, neighborhood eatery in El Dorado Hills prides itself on its eco-friendly menu. All proteins are pasture-raised and sustainably harvested, and all produce is sourced locally. No GMO products are used, and everything is gluten- and wheat-free. But that doesn’t mean diners have to sacrifice taste. The menu features dishes with an island influence, including poke bowls, loco moco, and tropical tacos. They also have a full bar and an N/A menu with mocktails such as mai tais and margaritas.

 The Healthy Habit, Auburn: There’s no better way to eat sustainably than to focus on organic, minimally processed, locally produced food. And this casual eatery in Auburn does just that. Rather than depend on industrial food, they source all-natural options that are healthy and nutrient-dense. All produce is organic and all meats are free of hormones, nitrates, and antibiotics. Options include sandwiches, salads, and açai bowls, many of them vegan or vegetarian.

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 Natural Food Stores in the Sacramento Area

Another great way to eat and shop sustainably this Earth Day (and every day!) is by shopping at the many natural food stores in the Sacramento area. The stores typically offer organic, non-GMO produce, minimally processed foods, pasture-raised meats, and sustainable seafood. Most also have many products for those on specialty diets, such as vegan and gluten-free items. Even better, some natural food stores carry all-natural supplements, bath and beauty products, and home goods. Some even have eateries or cafes on site.

 Like natural foods stores, food co-operatives have healthy, natural products, but they are owned and operated by employees or “members,” rather than private investors or corporations. Following is a round-up of food co-ops and natural food stores in the Sacramento region.

Photo Courtesy of Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Midtown Sacramento

 Food Co-ops in the Sacramento Area

• Davis Food Co-op
• Placerville Food Co-op
• Briar Patch Food Co-op, Auburn & Grass Valley
• Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, Midtown Sacramento

 Natural Foods Stores in the Sacramento Area

• Nugget Markets, various locations
• Elliott’s Natural Foods, Sacramento
• Sunrise Natural Foods, Roseville & Auburn