Wondering whether it’s worth it to splurge on the locally raised beef? What about those organic carrots? New in the Chelsea Green Guides series, Sustainable Food: How to Buy Right and Spend Less helps the average shopper navigate the choices, whether strolling the aisles of a modern supermarket or foraging at a local farmers market.

This down-to-earth, casual guide—small enough to be slipped into your pocket—answers these and other questions for the shopper:

What are the differences among organic, local, fair-trade, free-range, naturally raised, and biodynamic foods? How affordable is it to subscribe to a CSA farm—and what are the advantages? Is it better to choose wild Alaskan salmon at $18.99, or the Chilean farmed fish at $11.99? What cooking oils can be sustainably sourced? How can a food co-op increase access to, and affordability of, healthier, Earth-friendly foods? Where can you find sustainably produced sugar, and are there any local replacements for sweeteners from faraway lands? What do the distinctions between shade-grown and trellised coffee mean? Is shark okay to eat? How about mackerel? Why is the war on plastic bags so important?

Sustainable eating just got easier.

Elise McDonough