Eating for the Environment

Eating for the Environment

Have you considered the impact that your diet has on the environment? If you have not, you are certainly not alone. Many people forget that the food we consume plays a big role in this global debate. Although it is not very appetizing to hear, the reality is that most of the food consumed in the UK is the result of a highly industrial and mechanized system of production. Essentially – making food is something of a factory affair.

Next time you are shopping for ingredients or dining out remember these simple solutions for environmentally friendly eating. (Added bonus: by making these changes to your diet you will be eating healthier too!)

Eat lower on the food chain. Feeding our food (such as beef or fish) not only takes many natural resources, it also releases a great deal of emissions. In most cases, the production of plant protein is significantly easier on the environment.

You do not have to become a vegetarian to help reduce the amount of meat produced and consumed; by simply monitoring your portions and eating less meat you be able to make a considerable difference. Try making one dinner a week meat free and be sure to enjoy the health benefits and reduced grocery bills as an added bonus.

Buy Local. Do you know where your food is produced? Depending on where you live, your food could be very well travelled by the time that it reaches you. Transporting food from production area to your plate consumes plenty of fossil fuel and releases lots of CO2.

Try to shop for items that were made closer to home by favouring local markets and foods that are in season. You can also feel proud to be supporting your local economy and you will be surprised how much better a piece of fruit tastes when it has not ripened on a ship.

Consider How You Cook. The manner by which we cook our food also plays a big role in how we affect the environment. Take a survey of your kitchen and think about the cooking methods that you use most frequently.

For example, do you use the oven to cook on most nights? If you are fond of roasting your food then you have an excellent opportunity to continue eating the same way as before, but by using less energy (and saving time!). By simply thinking ahead a night or two, you can roast several meals in the same hot oven and use up to three times less energy. Now, with dinner for tomorrow already in the refrigerator you can plan what to do with that free hour.

Of course, the types of appliances that you use play a big role as well. Be sure to upgrade your appliances to more energy efficient models, which will not only reduce your bills, but will also improve the quality of your cooking.

Smart Tip! Do you have a vegetable garden or even a few houseplants? Any time you boil vegetables, set the drained water aside and allow it to cool. Watering your plants with this water will not only reduce the amount of water your home uses, it will also recycle some vitamins, giving your plants a healthy boost.

^Top |

RSS |