Climate change is no longer just a myth, and if you are anxious about it, one thing you can do is to focus on what you are eating. Food happens to be the source of one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions per year and contributes to polluting the environment more than the transportation sector.
The food production process is not to blame alone, though. Replacing the current diet with healthy choices seems like a daunting task for consumers, as well. But if you’re one of the brave ones who really want to make a difference, here are some tips for you:
The impact of meatless days
You can start by developing the habit of replacing meat with vegetables. Bring about a change in the environment by skipping eating meat on Mondays, and your body will thank you for it, too!
Meatless Mondays can decrease gas footprints of up to seven percent. It might come as a surprise, but skipping on beef once a week for a whole year can save gas emissions equal to the gas emitted by car from driving 348 miles.
Sustainable seafood
Whenever you are buying seafood or at a restaurant that serves seafood, always ask for the sustainable kind. Oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops are a viable option if you are eating at a restaurant.
Moreover, regularly check Seafood Watch, which is a program that aids consumers and businesses in making choices for a healthy ocean. This way, you get know-hows on what seafood is okay to eat.
The pesticide issue
Pesticides are known to contaminate the soil and water. Moreover, these sprays have negative impacts on the food that’s harvested, leading to numerous health risks associated with pesticide residues. Always go for organic food and include more dairy items in your life.
Let’s talk local
Don’t be intimidated by farmers markets. Explore them to bring home fresh produce grown locally. When you eat local there are also fewer chances that it will be transported anywhere else. Hence, less transport gas emissions and an even lesser carbon footprint.
More importantly, you get to meet the folks who provide you with food. Such connections are great opportunities to educate yourself on how your food is grown, when it’s harvested, and even how you can prepare delicious meals with it!
Ways to reduce food waste
Make use of every last bit of food. We cannot stress this enough! Build weekly meal plans, cook accordingly, and use your refrigerator to store leftovers for future use. Also, feel no shame in bringing those restaurant leftovers home.
Always choose less processed and more organic foods, as well. For example, plain rice is a more suitable option than seasoned rice. Don’t overbuy organic food, though, as organic food is more likely to expire quicker.
