So you want to save the planet? Lucky for you, you don’t need to be a planeteer with some cool ring. You just have to be skeptical of what you put in your mouth.
We’re not here to tell you what to eat and what not to eat – everyone has their own reasons for what they put on their plate. But there are conscious decisions you can make that will impact the environment for the better on a larger scale. Sustainable eating doesn’t have to be hard, and it also doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. A single change can make a difference. Here’s what to eat to save the planet.
LENTILS
Soups, salads, or on their own – lentils are cheap and extremely versatile. According to the Environmental Working Group, lentils are actually the top climate friendly proteins with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions. Packed with protein, fibre and iron – why wouldn’t you eat more?
GREEN PEAS
Green peas actually act as a natural nitrogen fixer. What does this mean? It means that peas don’t require any synthetic nitrogen fertilisers and other nasty pesticides to grow. This decreases the amount of harmful toxic resources needed to farm the plant.
BROCCOLI
There’s one veggie that stands out above the rest: broccoli. This nutrient-packed vegetable uses the least amount of fertiliser and pesticides. Along with other cruciferous veggies like cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts, they contain natural pesticides that protect from pests and other nasty organisms.
PASTURE-RAISED EGGS
You’ll want to remember pasture-raised eggs. Research has found that pasture-raised eggs contain twice as much vitamin E, and 2.5 more Omega-3 fatty acids compared to caged eggs. More importantly pasture-raised eggs are also one of the most climate-friendly sources of animal protein. To make sure your eggs are pasture-raised, click here.
ORGANIC TOFU
Tofu uses up 13 times less greenhouse gas emissions than beef. Packed with protein, tofu requires a lot less water than many sources of animal protein. And , buying organic tofu like Hodo, ensures that it’s made from sustainably sourced soy and avoids the use of any synthetic chemicals.
WHAT NOT TO EAT?
MEAT
Look, we love our burgers too! But, if we all develop a “meat consciousness” and TRY and reduce the amount of meat in our diets – we’ll be doing the environment a huge favour. Sadly, raising cows, pigs, chickens, generates as much greenhouse gas emissions as ALL cars, trucks and automobiles combined. This has a huge influence on climate change. For a healthy diet try going meat-free a few days a week and aim to purchase local, organic meats that aren’t pumped with antibiotics!
TIPS TO SAVE THE PLANET
Go organic: The majority of conventionally-grown fruits and veggies are drenched in pesticides! These account for about one-third of greenhouse gasses and diminish the food’s nutrient value. When possible, opt for certified organic foods – these are grown and processed using farming methods that promote biodiversity.
Go local: Eating locally grown foods (fruits, veggies, meats, dairy) is the best way to lower your carbon footprint! And bonus? Eating locally means your foods are fresher, and therefore retain more nutrients!
Eat in season: Eating in season, means eating locally. Seasonal Food Guide Australia has a complete table (that you can print out btw) of all the fruits and vegetables in season. They also have a complete list of Farmers Markets in your state.
Grow it yourself: You don’t need to live in the country to have your own fruit and veggie patch. Plant what you like and go organic yourself! It’ll taste better, trust us.
What to Eat to Save the Planet
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