Celebrate the earth, eat environmentally friendly!
What better way to honor Earth Day than to prepare a dish that's easy on the environment? Our Earth Day recipes feature seasonal fruits and vegetables that are less likely to contain harmful pesticides. (Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce and potatoes typically have the highest pesticide levels, according to the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C., while onions, avocados, frozen sweet corn, pineapples, mangoes, asparagus, frozen peas, kiwi, bananas, cabbage, broccoli and papayas have the lowest. Choosing the latter and avoiding the former - unless organic - could slash your family's pesticide exposure by almost 90 percent.) Look for spring gems like asparagus, blueberries, cabbage, cauliflower, mushrooms and peas at your nearest farmer's market. Eating local supports your economy and involves fewer miles traveled - and fewer pollutants emitted - to get dinner on your plate. Whip up some fun for the kids, too, with our "mudpie" cookies and chocolate dirt cups!

Around-the-Kitchen Earth-Friendly Tips

More Earth Day Ideas

5 Green Recipes for Spring Check out this slideshow that has recipes for a mango and cashew salad; asparagus and potato soup; sugar snap pea salad with quinoa and citrus vinaigrette; artichoke risotto with garlic and sage; and old-fashioned strawberry cobbler. 

Angel Hair Pasta with Asparagus A springtime saute of tender spears of fresh asparagus tossed with angel hair pasta, mushrooms and Parmesan makes a lovely lunch or light supper.

Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Stir-Fry It's an excuse to use up all those leftover veggies at the end of the week. This easily adaptable stir-fry recipe takes into account all sorts of tastes and makes good use of whatever you happen to have on hand.

Creamy Vegetable Medley Looking for a way to get your kids to eat their veggies? This creamy casserole combines broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and mushroom with a crispy fried onion crust for a yummy dish that'll win the approval of moms and kids alike.

Basmati Rice and Peas This spectacular side is sure to steal the show. Basmati rice with peas is a simple way to liven up this plain old grain and an amazing accompaniment to steak or seafood.

Fruit and Nut Coleslaw Sweet and tangy tropical fruits mingle with crunchy cabbage, raisins, walnuts and yogurt for a refreshing slaw that makes an ideal sidekick for burgers, ribs and all things barbecue.

Mushroom Kabobs The earthy flavors of mushrooms combine with grilled peppers, lemon juice, thyme and rosemary for a taste of summer in every bite. Serve these kabobs hot off the grill with wedges of lemon or lime and fresh herbs.

Blueberry Lemon Loaf Light and lemony, this delicious loaf makes the perfect companion to a tall glass of iced tea or a steaming mug of tea. Use fresh blueberries when they're in season, or frozen ones anytime of year.

Dirt Cups What kid won't love putting gummi worms into "dirt" made from JELL-O Instant Pudding and chocolate-sandwich cookies?

"Mudpie" Cookies Oatmeal, cocoa and peanut butter combine to make tasty "mudpies" for your wee ones.

Vegan Banana Blueberry Muffins You'll want to try these healthy, wholesome banana blueberry muffins that are both quick and easy to make. Full of fiber, these morning muffins are a great way to start a nutritious day.

Also see our Green-Around-the-Kitchen Tips