The shopping list that really contributes to a better world involves local, biological farmers, fair trade products and vitamin supplements. Here are some steps for an action plan.

Local food.
Buying fresh, local seasonal food reduces the need for transport and, consequently, the burden on the environment. In addition, it is beneficial to the local economy. The presence of local markets enables farmers to grow various crops, thus avoiding monoculture and promoting biodiversity. Buying directly from the farmer strengthens the bond between producer and consumer–and is attractive to both.

Fair trade.
Fair trade products are traded on the basis of paying a fair price to the producers in developing countries. The products are sold in third world aid shops, but also in supermarkets. Fair-trade quality marks ensure that the terms of fair trade have been observed. To find fair-trade organizations in your country contact the International Federation for Alternative Trade.

Organic food.
In biological agriculture pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and other artificial additives are not used. This method of agriculture is better for the quality of the soil, the environment and both farmers’ and consumers’ health. Biological products have a higher nutritional value. Biological food is available at organic food stores and some supermarkets. Mind the quality mark.

Slow food.
The right to indulge in good food is defended by Slowfood, an international organization that has its roots in Italy and by now has about 50,000 members in over 50 countries, from leading chefs to lovers of good food. Slow food promotes a diversity of flavors, traditional production methods and small-scale production. The organization aims to preserve local food traditions.

Vitamins and minerals.
Every human being needs vitamins and minerals. Usually, food is the source of vitamins and minerals, but as farmland contains increasingly less nutritional value, it can be advisable to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Some laboratories offer the possibility to examine exactly which vitamins and minerals you need. Do not use random supplements, because more is not always better. Also keep in mind that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamins varies for each individual. You can always take extra minerals, because you may assume that your magnesium and zinc intake is inadequate.

SUPPORT
Fairfood intends to hold to account authorities and companies within Europe on the human right to food, as laid down in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. According to Fairfood, the EU could, for example, introduce restrictions to the trade in so-called “starvation food”: Food destined for the West, which results in starvation in its land of origin.

Oakland, California-based Food First is a progressive United States think tank that seeks to put an end to poverty and starvation by reforming Western trade and agricultural policy and by formulating solutions to food issues. Food First organizes actions and such, and publishes books.

The Hunger Project in New York wants to put an end to hunger. To this aim the organization involves local populations in developing countries, because the people themselves are sufficiently creative to become the “architects of their own development.” The Hunger Project explicitly is not a charity, but aims to increase the independence of those who suffer from hunger on a daily basis.

Vïa Campesina is an international movement that represents millions of small and middle-scale farmers, primarily in developing countries. The movement promotes solidarity between farmers who are forced to compete with each other in the world market. Via Campesina holds the view that a country should first produce adequate food to support its own people, before it invites foreign agri-companies to cultivate its farmland.

Ode, the magazine for Intelligent Optimists, is an international independent journal that publishes positive news, about the people and ideas that are changing our world for the better. Click here for your FREE issue.