Your family’s diet has a massive impact on the environment. That’s because food production accounts for about one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions, and meat is a big part of that.
You can do many different things to make your diet more eco-friendly: eat less meat, buy local produce in season, grow something yourself, or start composting. But don’t worry; there will still be plenty of delicious dishes for everyone!
It helps to know some key facts about the environmental impact of food production.
Food waste is one significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) says that 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted around the world each year – an average of nearly 200 kg per person! That’s enough to feed 3 billion people, or twice the world’s population.
Food wasted in industrialized countries usually has a relatively low environmental impact. But in developing countries, food waste often occurs on farms where pesticides are used (especially for fruits and vegetables), and refrigeration equipment may not be available.
It takes energy to produce meat, including the energy used to grow crops to feed the animals, run the slaughterhouses and transport the meat to supermarkets. Meat production also contributes to water pollution and deforestation.
The good news is that there are lots of ways you can make your diet more eco-friendly without giving up your favorite foods.
Here are some tips:
Eat less meat. Meat production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing your consumption will help the environment. Try Meatless Monday or go vegetarian one day a week. There are many great recipes out there that are both healthy and delicious!
Buy local food in season. It’s fresher and doesn’t have to travel as far as it was grown to market. Plus, eating local keeps your money in the community, which benefits many people along the way. Check out this website to find local farmers markets and CSAs in your area:
Grow something yourself. Even if you have a small garden, you can grow some food. It’s a great way to get kids interested in gardening and eating healthy foods.
Compost! Food waste accounts for a large portion of the waste we produce. You can recycle organic materials like fruit and vegetable peels, leftover meat, and bones by composting. Try to compost all food waste that can’t be eaten or thrown into your home composter, like eggshells and coffee grounds.
Go fishing! Despite the popularity of fish dishes worldwide, many fisheries are in trouble due to overfishing and other environmental factors for tips on eating sustainable seafood.
Use propane or an offset smoker. If you’re a meat lover, try using a propane smoker. They produce much less smoke than other smokers, are hassle-free and easy to set up, and the meat comes out tender and juicy. Suppose you want a great smoker within your allocated budget, an offset smoker will be a great choice.
The planet is our home, so let’s take care of it by making eco-friendly choices when we can – even if it means spending a little more time in the kitchen! Remember to check your smoke detectors before grilling outside. It’s essential to keep everyone safe while cooking.
For those of us who want to do our part in helping the environment, eating a more eco-friendly diet is one way we can make an impact. The tips listed here are just some things you can do to reduce your food’s environmental footprint without sacrificing taste or variety. If you have any other questions about going green with your diet, don’t hesitate to ask! Our experts would love to help develop solutions that will work for you and your family.
Since 1997, the community has been a dumping ground for the toxic waste material resulting from the burning of coal-coal ash.