Choosing sustainable foods can have ripple effects on local economies and the environment. But what exactly does that mean?
Reducing meat consumption helps reduce carbon emissions. Alternatively, plant-based proteins such as beans and nuts also offer protein and nutrients without the environmental footprint.
Shop smarter at the grocery store, using reusable bags for fruits and vegetables and by buying foods in bulk. Reduce food waste by meal planning, using freezer space for berries and vegetables that won’t spoil, and donating leftovers.
Plant-Based Diet
Eating a plant-based diet is one way to reduce your environmental footprint while also benefiting your health. Getting more plants like vegetables, fruits and legumes in your diet is linke to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease.
A plant-based diet may seem restrictive, but the right foods make it easier to stick with. Swapping packaged potato chips for a bag of raw veggies, cornflakes for fresh rolled oats and pasta sauce made from homegrown tomatoes for ready-made frozen sauce are all simple swaps that can lead to long-term sustainability.
Be sure to plan your meals so you’re getting all of the nutrients you need. Protein is usually associat with meat, but beans, lentils and whole grains are great sources of protein that help you stay full. And always opt for local, seasonal produce when possible. This helps minimize the transportation of food and allows you to consume the best-tasting fruits and vegetables.
Fish and Seafood
A healthy diet including fish and seafood can be a sustainable choice when the seafood is responsibly harvested. Existing seafood laws aim to protect marine habitats, reduce overfishing, and minimize bycatch. In addition, aquaculture (fish farming) allows for more seafood to be sourced without overfishing wild oceans and rivers.
It’s also important to choose seafood that is low in mercury levels and omega-3 fatty acids, and avoid overfished or endangered species. A variety of seafood is available, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a helpful tool to help you find sustainable choices.
Other steps to consider include buying locally sourced foods, practicing nose-to-tail cooking and using vegetable scraps to make soups or stocks. These steps help to reduce food waste and save money at the grocery store. And they can support health goals like lowering blood pressure, managing blood sugar and losing weight.
Dairy Products
Dairy products include all foods made with animal milk, including butter, cheese and yogurt. It also includes ice cream and other frozen desserts. These products are rich in vitamins and minerals and are important to a healthy diet.
Typically, dairy products are derived from cows, but other animals like goats and sheep can be used. In addition, plant-based milks such as almond milk or soy milk can be considered dairy alternatives.
Eating sustainably helps to reduce climate change and environmental impact. It’s not easy to go completely meat-free, so reducing the amount of meat you consume and choosing more plants and other healthier foods is a great way to start. In addition, reducing food waste and using reusable or biodegradable packaging are other steps to sustainable eating. These practices contribute to a positive future for the planet and its people.
Reduce Food Waste
A huge part of sustainability is reducing food waste, and this is something that you can do in your own home. The simplest way to do this is by meal planning, as this helps you only purchase what you need and avoid any unnecessary purchases. This also prevents any foods from going bad or being wasted, which in turn reduces the need for resources and money to be used to produce that uneaten food.
When you’re grocery shopping, be sure to read food labels and know what the various “best by” dates mean. Buying in bulk is another great way to cut down on food waste and save money.
Another way to cut down on food waste is by selecting minimally processed whole foods that don’t require much packaging, such as fruits and vegetables. Try to find local, seasonal fruit if possible, as this will have a lower carbon footprint than imported options. You should also consider joining a food rescue program or starting a compost bin so that any leftover food scraps can funnel back into the soil rather than sitting in landfills (and producing planet-warming methane). A little bit of effort to cut down on waste can go a long way in contributing to a sustainable future.
