In efforts to better the environment, there are many ways to go green. Not only recycling and saving electricity can be done to lower your carbon footprint. Try farmers markets, which are not only eco friendly but give you the chance to try new delicious foods. One of the largest markets in New York City is the Union Square Greenmarket, which hosts over 140 farmers each week.

Through the Greenmarket program, the organization GrowNYC offers 40 farmers markets throughout the city where people can purchase local and healthy farm fresh produce. There are almost 200 farmers involved, including bakers, fishermen, and farmers. At these farmers markets you can find anything from homemade pastries to wheatgrass juice. One particular stand at the Union Square farmers market, S. and S.O. Produce Farms, offers 115 varieties of produce.

Another thing that makes greenmarkets so important and healthy is that you have the opportunity to speak to the food producers. You can build a relationship with the people who sell your food, which makes it a more personable experience. The people at farmers markets are friendly and eager to answer your questions about their products.

“Farmers markets include the whole community. Going to the farmers market is a social activity,“ said Shelby Faircolth, a high school teacher.

Shopping at Greenmarkets instead of supermarkets, you support healthy maintenance of farmland. Buying locally grown food reduces the number of miles that the food has to travel to get from production to your plate.

“By going to farmers markets you’re buying local seasonal food, sticking to the natural ways of food production, and supporting family farms,” said Stephanie from Arcadian Pastures in Slomesville, NY.

In addition to being eco-friendly, GrowNYC is also helping a lot of farmers make money in these tough economic times. It gives farmers a location with a big population, which would be difficult to find in a small town environment. The program also helps feed the homeless. 224,000 pounds of unsold food was donated to City Harvest in 2006.

With its encouragement of an eco friendly lifestyle, support of small farmers, and donation of quality food to the needy, Greenmarkets promote healthier habits for New York City.

When asked what could be done do improve these markets, all Gail from Beth’s Farm Kitchen could suggest was “air conditioning!"