Talk of global warming and climate change usually lead to ideas for reducing our fossil fuel use. We need to do that, sure. But how we grow our food, and what we choose to eat, could have a far greater positive impact on global warming than anything else we do.

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Buy organic at the grocery store. Look for USDA Organic, Made with Organic, and Animal Welfare Approved labels.

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Eat less meat. The production of factory-farmed meat huge amounts of methane, nitrous oxide and atmosphere, are destroyed to grow feed for livestock. That feed is largely genetically modified corn and soy, grown using huge amounts of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

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Choose grass-fed at the farmer’s market. When you do buy meat, buy from farmers who use organic practices and keep their animals outdoors on pasture.

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Join a CSA or coop. Community Supported Agriculture projects provide a direct and steady supply of local, organic and pasture-raised food.

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Try going vegan when you eat out. The best way to avoid factory-farmed meat, dairy and eggs when you eat out is to ask for the vegan menu.

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Don’t waste food. Take what you need, eat what you take. Precious soil, water and fossil fuels were used to grow your food. It is estimated that 40% of the food produced in America is wasted – 1400 calories per person every day.

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Compost. The inedible scraps left over after you prepare a meal can be composted to create what organic farmers call “black gold.” If you put them in the garbage, they’ll end up in a landfill, adding to the rotting food that produces 23% of US methane emissions. have a garden? Compost in a worm bin indoors or hire a service to pick up compostables.