The processing, transportation and consumption of food has a major impact on the natural world, and some practices are more sustainable than others. To better understand how the food on your plate impacts Mother Nature, and how to make more informed food choices, read on to discover a few of the more eco-conscious options when it comes to meal time. 

Animal Products Versus Plant-Based Options

While you're browsing online for things like "What is Thrive" or "how to change an air filter," it's a good idea to look into the perils of industrialized animal agriculture, too. A major leader in greenhouse gas emissions, animal agriculture is demonstrably detrimental to the environment. Industrialized animal farming is responsible for a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions from the moment an animal is born and raised to the time it hits your plate. 

Plant-based foods on the other hand, have the potential to reduce greenhouse emissions considerably, especially if they’re sourced responsibly. To do your part, eat less meat and instead fill your plate with plant-based sources of protein. When you do eat animal products, choose sustainable options. They’re often slightly more expensive, but it’s far better for the planet.  

Locally Grown Food

Prior to industrialized agriculture, many foods that only grow in certain climates were considered a luxury to other parts of the world, and it was common for families in cooler parts of the country to receive a citrus fruit as a special, rare gift. Since the world began transporting non-seasonal produce to all regions of the world, the carbon footprint of the food industry has skyrocketed. 

Buying local and in-season produce can minimize your own impact, as well as being mindful about the types of groceries you purchase. Some foods, such as avocados, almonds and quinoa, require a great deal of resources to grow and must be shipped long distances to your local stores because they can only be grown in certain climates. Make it a point to regularly attend your local farmer’s markets, and even consider joining a community food co-op for local produce.

Organic Produce

The “organic” label may appear to just be a green-washed marketing ploy to some, but organic farming is far better for the environment than the alternative. The lack of harmful chemicals used in organic farming processes produces cleaner resources and gives the land a better chance at biodiversity. As well, organic farming minimizes the demand for fossil fuels that are used to produce the chemicals and solutions that are used in conventional farming practices. 

Conventionally farmed produce is everywhere, and it’s certainly tempting to try to save a few dollars and opt for produce without the organic label. However, organic farming practices involve a lot less pollution, soil erosion and energy consumption than conventional methods, which makes buying organic a more eco-conscious choice at the supermarket. 

Food Waste

Landfills around the world have reached critical mass, and food waste is responsible for a notable percentage of the material. It may seem as though tossed leftovers will simply degrade naturally in landfills as it would in a compost pile, but yesterday’s dinner often ends up trapped underneath other, inorganic materials in a landfill. Trapped and concealed food waste lacks the oxygen needed to decompose safely, and subsequently generates heat and methane: a potent greenhouse gas. 

It’s crucial to only buy and prepare what you know you will eat. Because Americans produce billions of tons of food waste per year, meal planning and mindful grocery shopping are not only habits that will save you money, boost your health and keep your kitchen a lot more organized, but these habits are also a lot easier on the earth. 

Conclusion 

When it is time to get rid of uneaten or overripe food, consider setting up your own compost system, or looking for city-sponsored drop offs in your area. Compost is a science, but a simple one. Even a small bin in your kitchen to toss food scraps can prevent a large amount of food from ending up in a landfill. Your compost material can then make its way back into the soil for food production, so your food waste can then benefit the earth and its systems rather than contribute more harm.