Sustainable Foods

By Jennifer Yoon RDN, LDN, IBCLC

The foods we choose have a powerful impact,

positive or negative, not only on our health, but also on our planet. The way a food is grown, processed, and the journey to your table, all impact the earth. As the effects of climate change such as drought, severe weather, and rising temperatures are being realized, a change in the way we approach food systems must be made to reduce our impact on the environment, improve food availability, and protect our resources. The foods you choose to put on your table can make a big difference- even small changes can help in a big way.

Sustainable eating puts the focus on foods that are produced in a way that is beneficial for the environment, supports local communities, and is humane to farmers, workers, and animals. Opting for sustainable foods whenever possible can help minimize greenhouse gas emissions, decrease food waste, and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, additives, and preservatives that are abundant throughout the food supply.

Some ways your family can choose more sustainable foods include: Eating Local: The less a food has to travel from where it is grown to where it is purchased, the less fuel is used and emissions produced. Though locally grown produce is limited in Western Pennsylvania in the colder months, choosing local as often as possible reduces food waste in transit, increases freshness, and supports local growers and economy.

Choose Organic: Organic farming is more sustainable alternative when it comes to food production. The lack of pesticides and wider variety of plants enhances biodiversity and results in better soil quality and reduced pollution from fertilizer or pesticide run-off.

Eat less meat: Raising livestock for meat uses a lot of resources. Despite using 77% of agricultural land, only 17% of global caloric consumption comes from animals. Raising livestock contributes to deforestation and disproportionate water usage. Meat consumption is responsible for releasing greenhouse gases such as methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide. The meat and dairy industry accounts for roughly 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Choose Plant Based Proteins: beans, lentils, and peas are some of the most sustainable foods due to the ease of growth, low water needs, and high yield. They are rich in protein, B12, manganese, selenium, zinc, and copper, as well as fiber. Swapping beans in for beef could potentially help achieve up to 74% of the reductions needed to meet the goals for the greenhouse gas emission targets in the United States by 2020.

Choose Plant Based Dairy: As mentioned, raising cattle uses proportionately more resources than it yields. Almond milk is a popular substitute and though almond milk is better for the environment, almonds require a lot of water to produce. Soy, Hemp, and Pea based dairy alternatives are the most sustainable and nutritionally complete.

Drink from the Tap: Bottling and transporting liquids uses a lot of energy, plastics, and fuel. Drinking water in a reusable container reduces waste and carbon emissions.

Choose Fairtrade Coffees and Teas: Coffee and tea are staple crops for many developing countries. Buying Fairtrade ensures the farmers get a fair price for the product and earn an adequate wage. To sell Fairtrade products, farmers have to improve soil and water quality, manage pests, avoid using harmful chemicals, manage waste, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity.

In conclusion, the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises “Sustainable food production is incredibly important, not just for the sake of our planet, but also for our health and future as well. According the 2019 EAT-Lancet commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems, a global shift toward more plant-based foods would help feed the world’s growing population a nutritious and sustainable diet. This plant-based eating style includes more legumes (beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts, and less animal-based foods, especially red meat and processed meat. Limiting refined grains and added sugars is encouraged as well.”