Sustainable Food Habits

Sustainable Food Habits

There is a growing interest in sustainable food habits which support a more environmentally and socially responsible food system.

The first strategy is to consume foods that are plant based.  The MyPlate focuses on filling our plates with primarily fruits, vegetables and grains. Protein and dairy foods are included but with fewer servings.   The production of animal meat and related products takes fertilizer, fuel, feed and water which results in greenhouse gas emissions.  Plant foods often have less environmental impact.

Choose foods that are raised close to home.  Food raised close to home reduced the number of miles that food travels which can lessen greenhouse gas emissions.  Eating close to home also benefits local producers. 

Plant a garden.  Food can be grown in containers, flower boxes, raised beds or garden plots.  The results are tasty and sustainable.

Buy foods when in season.  When foods are eaten in season, they do not need to be grown in a greenhouse, or picked prematurely and transported many miles.  Seasonal food require less resources and are cheaper to produce.

Reduce waste.  Food is the number one single material to fill landfills and incinerators.  Rotting food produces methane, one of the greenhouse gases associated with global warming.  Plan weekly menus and only buy what you will eat in a timely period.  Leftovers can be frozen or shared with others.

Choose whole foods. Choose whole foods over processed foods when possible.  Packaged foods take more energy to produce and result in packaging waste.

Select organic foods which are raised with fewer chemicals and fertilizers.  Look for foods labeled USDA Certified Organic.