Food and environment: Do your part for Earth through these sustainable eating habits

New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 250 000 deaths will be caused annually between 2030 to 2050 due to climate change. People across the world are advocating the importance of combating climate change for a better and safer future for the generations to come, however, overcoming a problem of this scale requires collective and channelled efforts by every individual alive. Did you know that what you eat and how you eat contributes immensely to the environment? 

Tips for sustainable eating

Here are some ways in which you can include sustainability in your eating habits:

1. Eat less meat and more plants: Raising and procuring food from livestock requires resource utilization. The meat industry contributes prominently to greenhouse gas emissions. Regular consumption of red meat such as beef must be avoided to lower the burden on the environment. As a sustainable alternative, the diet must consist predominantly of plant-based foods which can help lower impact on the environment and food system. 
2. Pick your seafood carefully: A variety of seafood present in the market is a consequence of unsustainable fishing procedures. With the extensively operating fishing industry, some varieties of seafood are on the verge of extinction or being overfished. This can harm the aquatic biodiversity thereby resulting in marine environment damage. Research your seafood to know what you should eat and avoid to save the environment. Some seafood that you must avoid includes anchovy, amberjack, cod, butterfish, whitefish, and seabass.
3. Include variety in your plate: Despite the adverse effect on the environment, only 12 plants and 5 animal species are responsible for about 75 per cent of global food production. This calls for the inclusion of varieties in the plate for a more optimised and sustainable method of eating. This can not only benefit the health but can also help lower the impact on the environment. Some foods that you must add to your diet for variety include lentils, soybeans, wild rice, buckwheat, okra, spinach, maitake mushrooms, sesame seeds, parsley roots, and lotus root. 
4. Grow at home or shop locally: What could be better than growing your own food and reaping the health and sustainable benefits of the seeds you sowed. If you do not have the facilities to grow your own food, choose to shop locally. This will not just help the community grow, but will also aid sustainability by cutting down the procurement cost and include diversity.
5. Be mindful of your actions: It is important to remember that humans are to be held accountable for the deteriorated state of the earth and it is high time we work towards fixing what we destroyed.  Be mindful of what your put on your plate because its origin, process of procurement, and how it reached our plate has a lot to do with how the entire procedure affected the environment.  

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.