Why is eating sustainably so important? Food production accounts for over one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Growing crops and livestock take up more than half of the planet’s surface. Dairy farming, including raising cows, lambs, egg and poultry are not climate-friendly at all, producing gases like methane and nitrous oxide.
This is worrying, considering scientists say global warming will probably be worse than we thought and that it will be difficult to keep global warming below 2 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. Natural disasters, like wildfires, drought and floods, are increasing in frequency and are difficult to predict.
While much is out of individual control, individuals can make environment-friendly food choices and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Eating sustainably and developing eco-friendly food habits include buying produce that does not require too many resources for production, transportation and consumption. It also means wasting less, getting innovative about growing edible plants at home and above all, reducing dairy and meat consumption. This book is a great resource!
4 ways towards eating sustainably
- Buying consciously: Buying fresh and seasonal produce that is grown close to where we live is a climate-friendly option because the products do not travel over long distances, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also a good idea to choose produce that is in-season rather than produce that’s local, but has been grown in energy-intensive greenhouses. This website offers an overview of vegetables and fruits in season in Europe.
- Growing food at home: Growing seasonal vegetables and fruits in your own garden, balcony or windowsill can go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint and save money. The FoodPrint website offers interesting tools and tips to start growing edible plants at home.
- Eating less meat and dairy: Meat and dairy account for nearly 15% of carbon emissions globally. Beef and lamb are the biggest emitters, while eggs, poultry and pork feature lower on the list. Cereals, pulses, potatoes and nuts, for examples, have a very low carbon footprint. Worldwide, climate scientists are urging governments and people to adopt largely vegetarian diets, include more pulses and nuts in their food, and either completely avoid or restrict eating red meats to once a week and replacing the other days with poultry and fish.
- Reducing food waste: Reducing waste is good for the planet and saves money as well. Planning meals in advance and buying accordingly helps in not wasting food. It’s also great because you can include recipes for seasonal vegetables, which have a lower carbon footprint than refrigerated goods. Planning beforehand also reduces the need to buy processed products which consume more energy during manufacturing and are not as healthy as freshly cooked food. Another great way to reduce waste is to use up leftovers to create a new dish.
Do you have any more suggestions for making eco-friendly food choices? Let me know in your comments.