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How can I eat more sustainably?

Our food choices not only impact our health, but our planet too. Approximately, 33% of greenhouse gases can be linked back to food production (1). This includes growing, harvesting, preparing, transporting, consuming and even wasting food.

The impact of food production in the UK

Within the UK specifically, it’s estimated that of food-related greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture contributes 45% of this, food manufacturing 12% and food transport 12% (2). 

As you can see, agriculture contributes towards a large amount of these gases. Reasons for this may include the use of fossil fuels for farming, deforestation to clear land for crops and livestock, the use of fertilisers and methane production from livestock.


Looking specifically at foods eaten, meat and dairy are suggested to contribute over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK diet (2). It’s widely acknowledged that animal-based foods produce more greenhouse gases than that of plant-based foods. 


In 2018, 9.5 million tonnes of food was wasted in the UK, according to the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) (3). Food waste contributes between 5-10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (2). The Food Standards Agency believe that 61% of food wasted each year could be avoided (2), which would help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.


By 2050, the world’s population is estimated to reach 10 billion people. With many mouths to feed, there’s a growing concern about how the world will be able to sustainably produce enough food to feed everyone. It’s never been more important to adopt a sustainable diet than it is right now.


What is a sustainable diet?

A sustainable diet should be able to achieve three things (4):

  • Support good health and wellbeing

  • Look after the environment and planet

  • Be accessible, affordable and safe

Plus, it needs to be maintainable in the long-term.


How to make more sustainable food habits

In order to eat more sustainably, we all need to play our part - no matter how big or small that is. Below are some simple ways you can start eating more sustainably.


Prioritise plants

The EAT-Lancet report, which focuses on how to achieve a sustainable diet to feed the world, emphasises the importance of the diet being largely made up of plants (6).Generally speaking, plant-based foods have a smaller environmental impact than animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy (2). Not only do plants produce fewer greenhouse gases, but they typically use less water and land too (5). Plants also contain lots of beneficial nutrients, including fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are important for good health.


It’s not about eliminating animal-based foods completely. Rather, the focus should be on adding or swapping plants into the diet. For example, a spaghetti bolognese could be made using half the usual amount of beef mince, and making the other half up using protein-rich lentils. Alternatively, you could try having a meat free meal each week, which might involve swapping chicken for beans in a curry instead.


Meal planning to reduce food waste

Approximately 30% of food in the UK is wasted, with 61% of this believed to be avoidable (2). The EAT-Lancet report suggests that food waste needs to halved in order to head towards a more sustainable food system (6).


One of the best ways to reduce food waste is meal planning. By planning out your meals for the week, you can write a shopping list. This ensures you’re only buying foods that are going to get eaten - instead of sitting in the fridge unused until they’re eventually spoiled and thrown away. Additionally, meal planning will allow you to factor in leftovers, so these aren't wasted either. Not only will planning your meals reduce your food waste, it’ll save you money too.


Grow your own food

If you have space to do so, growing your own food is a brilliant way to contribute towards sustainable food production. Food grown in your own home has a much smaller carbon footprint, since it travels straight from your garden and onto your plate. 


Perhaps to your surprise, you don’t need much space to grow your own produce. Herbs can easily be grown on windowsills, and a few plant pots can be the perfect home to potatoes, tomatoes and strawberries. Speak to your local garden centre for advice on growing produce at home.

Eat local

If you can’t or don’t want to grow your own, try finding local farm shops that stock locally grown or reared produce. These foods should still have much lower carbon footprints than foods sold in supermarkets, which can travel the globe before they reach your plate. 


A quick google search should bring up your local farm shops. Shopping locally is also a good way to support the local economy and small businesses.


Minimise plastic packaging

Walk into the supermarket and you’ll likely find a sea of plastic packaging. Whilst some supermarkets are working to reduce the amount of plastic packaging used, many foods such as fruits and vegetables are still sold in unnecessary plastic packaging. Where possible, try to choose loose fruits and vegetables. Use paper bags provided in the shop, or bring your own reusable produce bags. By driving demand for non-plastic packaged produce, you’ll be sending an important message to supermarkets!


Don’t just stop at food packaging - try to bring your own reusable shopping bags too. Keep one in your work bag or car at all times, meaning you’ve always got a bag for those spontaneous trips to the shop.


Can sustainable eating support weight loss?

A sustainable diet shouldn’t just look after the environment, it should also look after your health and wellbeing, and for some this may include weight management.


As mentioned, a sustainable diet should be one that’s rich in plants. Plants are brilliant sources of fibre, which helps to keep you full, making it easier to manage portion sizes and snacking frequency. A diet rich in fibre is essential for anyone looking to feel satisfied and full during their weight loss journey.


Meal planning also plays an important role during weight loss, as well as helping to reduce food waste. Being organised with meals provides structure, and lack of structure is a common reason behind failed weight loss journeys.


Summary

The way we eat has a large impact not only on our health, but on the wellbeing of our planet. With food production accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, our food choices matter. By prioritising plants, reducing food waste and eating local produce, each of us can play a role in a more sustainable future for both our health and our planet.



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