What we eat has a significant impact on climate change, in fact it’s reported that 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions are from food production. To make matters worse, agriculture is the biggest cause of deforestation, making food production responsible for over 60% of biodiversity loss worldwide.
But there is something YOU can do, and it’s thinking more deeply about what you eat. Not only will your choices be contributing to more ethical food systems and sparing precious resources, but you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint, whilst saving money at the same time! It’s a win-win!
Here are our 5 top tips for eating more sustainably, and the best part is, they’re easy for everyone to incorporate into their life.
TIP #1: EAT LESS MEAT AND MORE VEGETABLES
Meat production (especially beef) is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Raising livestock requires water, land and transportation which negatively impacts the health of our planet. By eating more veggies, you can reduce deforestation and freshwater withdrawals, as well as boost your health and longevity. If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetarian and vegan food into your diet, Let Them Eat can help!
TIP #2: BUY SUSTAINABLY SOURCED SEAFOOD
Overfishing causes significant harm to our marine environment – not only to fish but to millions of other sea creatures including sea turtles, dolphins and crustaceans that are inadvertently captured and perish in the fishing process. The next time you consider buying fish look for environmentally sustainable seafood species such as Australian sardines, herring, abalone, salmon, bream, crab, leatherjacket, mackerel and mullet, just to name a few. You may also wish to avoid typically overfished species such as bluefin tuna, shark and swordfish.
If you’re particularly worried about overfishing, think about eliminating seafood from your diet altogether by switching to vegan alternatives like vegan fish sauce, vegan lobster or imitation crab meat.
TIP #3: BUY LOCALLY AND SEASONALLY
Buying local and seasonal produce reduces the carbon emissions typically associated with transportation and food storage, whilst providing the opportunity to support your local economy and community.
We encourage you to check out your local farmers’ market and only purchase food from outlets that source primarily local produce (like we do)! If you have a green thumb, you may even wish to consider growing your own fruit and veggies!
TIP #4: THROW AWAY LESS FOOD
Approximately 30% of the produce we buy gets wasted. With food the single most common item in landfills, we are literally throwing away money and our natural resources.
Here are a few ways that you can reduce food wastage and take action for our planet:
- Plan your meals and buy only what you need
- Keep, eat, repurpose or freeze leftovers rather than throw them away
- Compost your food scraps
- Use reusable plastic bags at the supermarket
- Donate uneaten food to your friends, family or an organisation that collects food for the community
- Use reusable coffee cups and water bottles.
TIP#5: EAT MINDFULLY AT EVERY MEAL
When eating mindfully, you’re more likely to increase your enjoyment of food, avoid overeating (reducing food wastage), and think more deeply about your food choices, including considering more sustainable food sources.
Research has also shown that mindful eating can lead to greater psychological wellbeing and body satisfaction. So, the next time you sit down to eat, slow down, be present and enjoy every mouthful!
Ready to eat more sustainably? Simply head down to a Let Them Eat location near you.
