With the summer in full swing, I have a short window without school food as my main source of sustenance. While this does mean I get to snag an occasional (and thoroughly missed) fast-food meal, it also gives me freedom to watch what I eat more carefully.

 

One of the healthier and more eco-conscious food choices I have made has been buying organic. A product worth touting is organic milk and soy milk, both of which can get addictive. I have also made an effort to fit more fruits and vegetables into my daily diet. A favorite snack of mine has been some organic peanut butter and honey on whole-grain bread.

 

Alongside eating healthy at home, there are some great eco-friendly options for dining out in Virginia Beach, as they deserve any notice they can get for thinking about the planet. Some restaurants are members of the Virginia Green partnership, which promotes conservation. Croc's 19th Street Bistro, Neptune's Restaurant, Dough Boy's Pizza, Tautog's and Waterman's Surfside Grille are just some of the great restaurants committed to this cause in my area.

 

A diet that is good for the planet is one less reliant on meat products and more reliant on organic and local goods. While making these choices may be more costly on one's budget, these efforts should be made where possible to lessen the burdens on nature. Ultimately, unhealthy and chemical-laced food will add profound costs to the world's ecosystems and society.