A lot of things you do can affect the environment, from the vehicle you drive to the way you dispose of your trash. However, one thing many don't think about is how your food choices affect the environment. Although you may just view food as a fueling source for your body, the foods we choose to consume and purchase have an impact on the environment you may not be aware of.

Making small swaps on your next grocery store run can help the environment in ways you wouldn't expect. Use these simply food swaps to do your part in being eco-friendly.

Switch to Sustainable Protein

Protein is one of the main macronutrients you should focus on in your diet, along with carbohydrates and fats. While a lot of protein comes from meat and dairy, you have to be conscious of what kind of meat and dairy that you are consuming. Beef production uses large amounts of water for even one calorie of food that it produces. In addition, mass meat production can contribute to harmful carbon emissions. Instead, try to go for free-range animal products and 100% grass-fed meats. If you can, try going to a local butcher to get local meat and dairy products.

There are protein alternatives, too. Try using a protein powder to incorporate protein without contributing to the environmental impacts of the mass meat and dairy industry.

Reach For Seasonal Produce

Farmer's markets can be one of the best places to go if you're worried about the impact your food choices have on the environment. These local markets have a lot of positive aspects, especially when you're trying to be eco-friendly. You can ensure that the food you're getting is organic and not treated with any hidden chemicals if it was grown locally. Finding produce from farmer's markets that are in-season can help you to be sure that your food didn't contribute to carbon emissions from shipping or traveling. An added bonus of farmer's markets is that patronizing them can support your local farmers and businesses.

Check the Labels

In general, you should try to avoid any hard to pronounce chemicals or added ingredients. However, even some seemingly common ingredients can wreak havoc on the environment.

One very common ingredient in foods like peanut butter, chips and margarine is palm oil. While other oils have their drawbacks, such as olive oil using a lot of water or canola crops being GMO, palm oil has a direct effect on the environment.

This is because palm oil contributes to the deforestation of rainforests in Malaysia and Indonesia. The deforestation of rainforests has had an impact on the orangutan population there too, forcing them to be displaced from their home. If you can help it, go for sunflower or safflower oil instead of palm oil.

When In Doubt, Do It Yourself

One of the best ways to make sure that you're not unintentionally hurting the environment is making your foods at home when you can help it. By doing this, you can make sure there are no sneaky hidden chemicals or environmentally harmful practices being used to produce your food.

Consider making your own peanut butter at home by blending dry roasted peanuts and honey or sugar in a food processor. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also takes less than 10 minutes. You can also make your own milk alternatives, such as almond milk or oat milk, at home. If you have more time, you can even make your own cheese or yogurt.

Conclusion

Although these tips won't single-handedly save the planet, you can use simple swaps to make sure you're doing your part to make sure your food choices don't hurt the environment.