When provided with knowledge, we are provided with the power to make a change. Since the release of BBC's Blue Planet II in 2017, millions of us all across the world have shifted focus onto how we are living and our impact on the earth. The series shone a light onto single use plastics and how they are effecting all forms of life from land to sea. The scenes were truly devastating and being a nation of animal lovers, the impact of the footage made many question why this was happening and highlighted the need to change our lifestyles, before it is too late. From then on, we saw what some could say were the starts of an eco revolution!
Many of us have now removed single use plastics from our lives as much as possible, are investing in sustainable and eco-friendly brands, and are trying to do our bit to leave the earth a better place than how we found it. Of course, this is a long process trying to re-train your brain to stay away from the convenient foods and fast-fashion, and it's not helped by big companies who are unwilling to make a move in the right direction.
Food tends to be an issue when it comes to being more eco-friendly. So many of us are so busy with our lives, when it comes to food shopping, it's all about convenience. Our leading supermarkets are gradually implementing changes however, not all have been so quick off the mark to remove those unnecessary one use plastics. Plus, many of us don't think about the impact our imported fruit and veg is having on the environment. Yes, it may not be wrapped up with a protective layer that will be discarded as soon as you tear it off, but where has it come from and how did it get to your local supermarket for you to purchase?
When trying to be more eco-friendly, we should all be buying local produce as much as possible. Of course, that means you can't eat your strawberries all year round and there certainly won't be any sight of bananas, but we're talking about having a good impact on the earth and saving our eco-system. So if you're interested in making a change and buying produce that has come from our very soil and hard working people, then keep reading to find out what is currently in season!
As we are headed into October, we thought we would set you up with what to look for in your local supermarket. If you are headed to your local food market or farm, they will most likely only be selling local in season produce, but if you're unsure, you can always ask. So without further adieu, let's get seasonal!
Seasonal fruit for October are:
Apples, Blackberries, Elderberries, Pears, Quinces, Sloes, Tomatoes.
Seasonal Vegetables for October are:
Aubergine, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chestnuts, Chillies, Courgette, Cucumber, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Swede, Sweetcorn, Turnips, Watercress, Wild Mushrooms, Winter Squash.
All of the team here will be challenging themselves to see, if they can manage to eat only in season fruit and vegetables grown in the UK for the rest of the year. Do you think you can take on the challenge?
Our tips are to: 1. Do your research to find out what is grown in the UK and to see what is in season before you do your food shop.
2. Try to buy directly from the farmer if you can.
3. If you can't, check all information for the country of origin before buying.
Let's fall back in love with what British soil can produce, let's eat locally grown and help our farmers, let's get seasonal!