More Sustainable Labels To Choose

* Integrated Pest Management (IPM) labels indicate that a farmer uses biological controls, such as natural predators of pests, and resorts to only the least-toxic pesticides when they are necessary.

*Coffee, orange juice and cocoa that are Rainforest Alliance (RA) Certified were grown on a farm that conserves soil and water, minimizes agrochemicals and protects worker health. Chiquita bananas also are RA.

*Initiated by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, the "Bird Friendly" label signifies that a third-party inspector has certified your coffee organic and shade-grown, without clearcutting the tropical forests.

* "Free Farmed" and "The Food Alliance Approved" meat, poultry and eggs are raised with adequate space and comfort, without the use of hormones or unnecessary antibiotics. The claim is verified by third-party inspectors (freefarmed.org) or (thefoodalliance.org).

* The Marine Stewardship Council certifies well-managed fisheries with healthy populations that are captured without damaging ocean ecosystems (msc.org).

What Else You Can Do:

* Choose locally or regionally grown fruits and vegetables sold at farmers' markets,

natural-foods stores and supermarkets. This simple choice bolsters local farms and cuts down on the use of fungicides and fossil fuels required to ship foods great distances.

*To locate a farmers' market near you, call your local chamber of commerce or visit www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets.

*Plan ahead: Join a Community Supported Agriculture group (CSA),see nal.usda.gov/afsic/csa, or call the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association's CSA Line, 800-516-7797.