So, you’ve skipped the plastic straw, said “no thanks” to plastic beads in your face wash and toothpaste, and have switched to oat-milk in your morning latte. Good on ya! Maybe you’ve switched to Meatless Mondays, and maybe you’re even fully vegan! But maybe you can’t quite skip that sushi or tuna sandwich every once in a while.
For those who eat meat, fish can be a great choice, especially if you’re trying to have a lower environmental impact (while still getting a little animal protein). Tuna, for example, is responsible for less than a quarter of the CO2 production of beef, and less than half of chicken.
Farmed fish can have a more destructive environmental impact (and often don’t have as many health benefits as wild-caught fish), while buying wild-caught fish runs the risk of overfishing. How can you win?
Luckily, the Marine Stewardship Council is on your side. The MSC is an organization that’s fighting overfishing and other unsustainable fishing methods. The Marine Stewardship Council assesses fisheries to ensure they are reducing their environmental impact, using three criteria.
1. Fishing must be done at a level that the existing fish population can continue to be healthy and reproduce– indefinitely (i.e. NO OVERFISHING)
2. Fisheries must minimize environmental impacts, by using the approved gear and minimizing by-catch.
3. Operations must be well-managed and ready to adapt to the changing environment.
Like the USDA Organic label or Fairtrade America label, the MSC label allows you to know, at a glance, that you’re getting high quality, sustainable seafood.
The best part? We’ve gathered 5 MSC certified products that you can buy on Amazon. That’s right, you don’t even need to leave your Midwestern couch, let alone fly to Cali for wild-caught, sustainable fish.
1. Dr. Praeger’s Lightly Breaded Fish Sticks
If you, like me, grew up on frozen fish sticks and want a step up from the questionable amalgamation of fish wrapped in breading, check out Dr. Praeger’s Lightly Breaded Fish Sticks, which are coated in panko breadcrumbs and are Non-GMO Project Verified, as well.
2. Wild Selections Alaskan Wild Salmon
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in mercury, making it an excellent way to get your 2 servings of fish per week in. This Wild Selections Alaskan Wild Salmon is perfect as part of a balanced meal, or enjoyed as a snack on its own.
3. Trans-Ocean Crab Classic Imitation Crab
Imitation crab sounds weird and scary, but it’s just a mix of Alaska Pollock and King Crab, for a mild crab flavor! Trans-Ocean Crab Classic Imitation Crab is gluten-free and ready to eat right out of the bag!
4. Blue Harbor Albacore White Tuna
This tuna is Non-GMO verified and dolphin-safe– part of the Marine Stewardship Council’s policy on minimizing adverse effects to marine life and reducing by-catch.
5. Castor and Pollux Pristine Wild-Caught Salmon Dog Food (and Cat Food)
If you’re lucky enough to have a furry friend in your dorm or apartment, treat them with the best food! Both the dog and cat food are grain-free and made with responsible ingredients because your pet deserves the best.