Eight tips to eat more sustainably (2024)

The planet is in peril, and it’s clear that we cannot restore it without transforming our food system.

Here's how we can all make changes to our diet to help us eat healthily and sustainably, in a way which is good both for both us and for the environment.

What we eat has changed the planet. Across the globe forests have been devastated to make space to rear cattle and to grow crops to feed livestock, while our oceans become barren as they are trawled and overfished.Food production is not only the greatest driver of wildlife loss, it contributes to climate change: about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food.

Eight tips to eat more sustainably (1)

© Global Warming Images / WWF

1. Eat more plants

Farming animals for meat and dairy requires space and huge amounts of water and feed. The livestock industry alone generates nearly 15% of all man made greenhouse gas emissions. With global meat consumption soaring 500% between 1992 and 2016, it is clear we need to rebalance our diets by prioritising plants and moderating our intake of animal products.

2.Eat more variety

75% of the world’s food supply comes from just 12 plants and five animal species. Greater diversity in our diets is essential as the lack of variety in agriculture is both bad for nature and a threat to food security. With Knorr we have identified theFuture 50 Foods that can help reduce the environmental impact of our food system.

3. Make responsible seafood choices

Roughly 94% of fish stocks are overfished (34%) or maximally sustainably fished (60%) and aquaculture has its own issues.But when responsibly produced, seafood can benefit people, nature and climate. Try a diversity of species from well managed sources, eat lower in the food chain and opt for lower carbon emission seafood. Check out our seafood top tips for more information!

Eight tips to eat more sustainably (2)

© Global Warming Images / WWF

4. Cut the waste

Food waste is a big problem. 30% of the food produced is wasted, with serious repercussions for the environment. In fact, if food waste was a country it would be the 3rd largest emitter of greenhouse gasses after China and the USA. Reducing waste in your household is simple: freeze anything you can’t eat while it’s fresh and, where possible, buy loose produce so you can select the exact amount that you need.

5. Grow your own food

What’s better than fresh, home-grown produce straight from the garden? As well as being healthy and delicious, it is free from the carbon footprint of shop-bought food.

6. Look for products containing RSPO certified palm oil

Unsustainable palm oil is responsible for large-scale deforestation, putting wildlife like orangutans and tigers under threat, as well as contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the risk of climate change. But rejecting palm oil all together could have unintended consequences as alternatives can be even worse for the environment, with some needing up to nine times as much land to produce. When you’re shopping look for products containing RSPO certified sustainable palm oil.

Eight tips to eat more sustainably (3)

© Audra Melton / WWF-US

7. Pass on plastic

Plastic has infiltrated our natural world and even our diets. Bring a reusable-bag when you shop, opt for packaging-free fruit and vegetables where possible, and ask brands and retailers that continue to use plastic to find alternatives.

8. Eat what’s in season

When possible try to include seasonal produce from your local farm shop or greengrocer in your diet. As well as supporting your local economy, you might get to know local producers and get tips on how to prepare seasonal foods. You can check what’s in season with this handy calendar.


What are we doing?

We’re lobbying governments to introduce and strengthen laws to protect nature and to halt the climate emergency. We’re also working with the fishing industry, farmers and businesses throughout the production chain, to help them feed the world’s growing population sustainably.

By teaming up withSodexo (one of the world’s largest contract caterers) we are bringing planet-friendly food to 5,000 kitchens around the world, including universities throughout the British Isles. Retailers are essential: withTesco, we’re working together to halve the environmental impact of the average shopping basket.

Eight tips to eat more sustainably (2024)

FAQs

How can I eat more sustainably? ›

Eat more plants than animals

One of the best ways to improve both your health and the environment is to increase how many plants you eat relative to animals. Meat, fish, eggs and dairy are all important sources of nutrition and in many places there's no need to reduce their consumption.

How do we make food more sustainable? ›

5 ways to be more sustainable with your diet
  1. Eat more plant-based meals! Meat production produces more greenhouse gases than plant production. ...
  2. Shop local for in-season produce to support your community. ...
  3. Cut Waste! ...
  4. Try to grow your own produce! ...
  5. Start the conversation!

Which of the following is a way to eat more sustainably? ›

The top ways to eat more sustainably are to eat locally and seasonally, eat more plant foods, minimize animal foods, waste less food, and learn to grow your own food if possible. Eating locally and seasonally is good for the environment, community, your wallet, and your health.

What are sustainable eating habits? ›

Sustainable eating involves consuming food that has a low environmental impact. It's largely plant-based and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and chronic diseases in humans. Sustainable food production won't happen overnight, and much of the impact comes from systems, not people.

How can I be more sustainable? ›

7 Ways to Live More Sustainably
  1. Recycle with the Your Rubbish app. ...
  2. Try more veggie meals. ...
  3. Bring reusable coffee cups and water bottles. ...
  4. Shop local at your local market. ...
  5. Make sure to take reusable shopping bags. ...
  6. Save energy and water. ...
  7. Donate unwanted items.
Mar 11, 2022

How can we eat out sustainably? ›

When Getting Take Out or Delivery:
  1. Bring your own straw/say no to straws.
  2. Bring your own coffee cup.
  3. Say no to plastic bags.
  4. Decline plastic silverware and extra napkins.
  5. Consider bringing your own reusable container and asking if they will use it.
  6. Say no to extra condiments and keep big bottles in your refrigerator.

What are 3 main factors when defining food sustainability? ›

There are three key indicators of whether a food system is sustainable or not:
  • Economic sustainability – it is profitable throughout.
  • Social sustainability – it has broad-based benefits for society.
  • Environmental sustainability – it has a positive or neutral impact on the natural environment.
Sep 11, 2023

What is considered eating sustainably? ›

A sustainable diet open_in_new consists mainly of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, certain nuts, and fruits. It avoids most processed foods such as sugar and refined grains. Eating sustainably can include meat and fish that are grown and harvested in environmentally conscious ways.

What is an example of sustainable food? ›

15 Sustainable Foods to Eat to Save the Planet
  • Avocados.
  • Quinoa.
  • Blueberries.
  • Oats.
  • Pulses.
  • Organic Tomatoes.
  • Broccoli.
  • Mushrooms.
Feb 27, 2024

What are the 7 principles of food sustainability? ›

Our transformation agenda is guided by seven shared principles: renewability, resilience, health, equity, diversity, inclusion, and interconnectedness.

What is a sustainable diet plan? ›

Dietary sustainability is not clear-cut. The general guidelines include reducing the consumption of meat, dairy, fish, and packaged foods. A sustainable diet focuses on higher intakes of whole plant foods. People may still choose to eat animal products but in much lower quantities.

What is the most sustainable meal? ›

Beans, lentils, peas and other legumes are some of the most widely available sustainable foods on the market, requiring little water to produce a high yield.

What is the most sustainable food to eat? ›

15 Sustainable Foods to Eat to Save the Planet
  • Avocados.
  • Quinoa.
  • Blueberries.
  • Oats.
  • Pulses.
  • Organic Tomatoes.
  • Broccoli.
  • Mushrooms.
Feb 27, 2024

How can I grow enough food to sustain myself? ›

Best Crops to Grow for Self-Sufficiency

The idea is to grow vegetables that are nutrient-dense, as well as fruiting plants that produce abundantly. You should plan your garden based on two types of crops: Continual Producers — Crops that will continually grow and provide throughout the year, both indoors and outside.

How to eat more ethically? ›

Opt for organic dairy where possible. If you choose to eat beef, opt for pasture-raised cattle. Choose welfare-certified chicken and pork over beef and lamb. Source seafood that was farmed using sustainable fishing practices.

References

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