What are we talking about when we refer to sustainable food?
Food provides our body with all the necessary nutrients for the body to function properly. But it does not only impact positively or negatively on us. The way we choose to eat also influences the environment and depending on the choices of governments and our own, we can reduce the environmental footprint. Therefore, reduce the use of natural resources and contribute to the care of the planet and the living beings that inhabit it.
The planet Earth suffers the consequences of the economic progress of emerging countries and the global demand for food (excessive in developed countries) generates that this food production, transformation and distribution is contributing to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation and loss of biodiversity. For all these reasons, it is necessary to focus attention on a dietary change that ensures the care of the planet and not only to ensure the amount of food necessary for population growth. Sustainable and healthy eating is the answer.
What is sustainable food?
In addition to guaranteeing people’s health, sustainable food aims to promote responsible production and consumption that generates a reduced environmental impact, fighting against climate change, respecting biodiversity and protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. All these purposes are aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint.
If you are wondering what you can do to integrate a sustainable diet into your life and thus contribute to the global well-being of the planet, here are 10 very valuable ideas with which you will be transforming the current situation.
Decalogue of sustainable food
- Eat less animal products and processed meats
The studies speak for themselves. We consume more meat than necessary, which leads to poor health and the creation of more meat industries that generate a huge environmental footprint and less animal welfare.
- Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables
Prioritize vegetables, because they are healthy and because they have a minimal impact on the earth. Fruit, vegetables, tubers such as potatoes, legumes, nuts or olive oil… Fortunately, we have a wide variety.
- Choose to get your protein from plant sources
Legumes and nuts are an excellent source of protein that, taking the right amount daily, provides you with all the energy and nutrients you need without having to resort to animal protein.
- Eat seasonal foods
Respect the timing of food. These products not only have better nutritional qualities, but are also more sustainable and economical.
- Buy in local shops
The markets and neighborhood stores usually have local products that guarantee that they are local and that the impact they generate on the planet until they reach your hands has been minimal.
- Bet on quality
Reducing the consumption of processed foods, betting on organic farming, opting for extensively produced meat or fish from sustainable reserves, is one way to reduce the environmental footprint and betting on your health and that of the people who work in the food sector.
- Plan and you will win
It is important to know what you are going to consume to buy only the amount you spend and thus avoid waste. If you still have leftovers at the end of the week, do not throw them away: you can find in books and the Internet a lot of tips to take advantage of them.
- Eat only what you need
Sometimes we eat more than we really need. The reasons can be several: the impact of advertising, poor emotional management, bad eating habits, cultural ideas, etc. If you think this is your case and you cannot avoid overeating, go to a professional who can help you.
- Bet on fair trade
Before buying a product, find out where it comes from. Some, such as cocoa or coffee that come from other countries, we can see the fair trade seal that guarantees that there is social and economic sustainability of the producing countries. The seal can be the WTO or the FLO.
- Always look for alternatives to plastic
Reusing and recycling is essential to avoid the accumulation of plastic that we are witnessing in the current era. The planet is suffering the consequences and we must act immediately. Whenever you can, avoid buying plastic.
- Food education
Reflecting on the impact we generate on the planet with our food consumption is vital to be able to take action. Share it with the people around us and raise awareness. By promoting sustainable food, you will be adding forces to the final goal: reducing our environmental footprint.