Food scarcity and the toll it takes on the environment is no longer simply a challenge for developing countries; today, the world is confronted with a pressing problem of producing more food for our burgeoning population from a quickly degrading planet.
To reduce your carbon footprint and improve your health, it is time that you start stocking your kitchen with Eco-friendly food.
Eco Friendly Means Reducing Food Waste
Food waste contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases, as the more food that we throw out, the more food decomposes and the more methane gas is produced.
Methane is a gas that has greater potential to further the pace of climate change than carbon dioxide. To prevent food waste, you must plan your meals ahead of time and buy only the necessary ingredients.
Review the contents of your refrigerator; check the food that you already have and what you need to buy. Avoid throwing away leftover food by storing it in the freezer or trying to incorporate it with other meals such as soups or school lunches.
To prevent fast spoilage, be sure to store food safely and properly. When having a meal outside, try sharing dishes as restaurant food can be served in large portions.
Overconsumption is also a problem. Steer clear from food with high sugar and fat content and avoid processed food as much as possible. These types of food usually have low vitamin and mineral content.
1. Buy Local Products
Although our global food system enables millions of people to have access to food from all over the world, it has been reported that the greater distance your food has traveled, the less nutritional value it has and the more potentially damaging it is to the environment.
Consider the “food mile” of your food. Food miles refer to the distance that your food traveled from paddock to plate.
The less food miles your food has traveled, the better it is for your health and the environment.
Simply put; the further your food has traveled, the more greenhouse gases it emits and the lesser nutritional value it has. The more processed your food is, the higher amount of fat, salts, and preservatives it has.
To minimize your food miles, you can buy local products or grow your own fruits, vegetables, or even raise your own chickens. You should also use fresh ingredients in cooking and purchase fewer processed foods.
2. Make Greener Choices
A high-protein diet is highly recommended as it aids in growth maintenance and repair of cells. You can opt for animal-friendly sources of protein, too – eggs, greek yogurt, legumes and more.
Fish and other sustainable seafood can also be a healthy and very tasty meal however, future generations may not enjoy the variety that we are able to enjoy now. Legumes are not only healthy; they are also environmentally friendly.
3. Go Organic
Organic farming utilizes specific farm management practices that ensure the safety of the environment and the soil. Organic food is one way to reduce environmental damage because it discourages the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
4. Say No to Bottled Water
Water is a necessity that helps in the function of your bodily organs. With this in mind, you are advised to drink up to 8 glasses per day.
However, bottled water causes more damage to the environment than you think. The production, transport, and storage of these bottles emits greenhouse gases comparable to as much as 13,000 cars every year.
5. Experiment with Eco-Friendly Recipes
To maintain a healthy and environmentally friendly food, you can come up with great recipes using organic food. You could also experiment with legumes, fruits, vegetables, and other local products that are fresh and have minimal food mile.
As the world is having a crisis with depleting resources and health issues, you must take part in ensuring that your homes are packed with Eco-friendly food. It does not only help in ensuring your safety, it also aids in ensuring the environment’s safety.
