Hi there! Are excited about another challenge?
While building daily habits to live sustainably, one area where we can make a significant difference is in our daily dietary habits.
Do you know?
- Climate change intensifies risks to various aspects of our world, including livelihoods, biodiversity, health, infrastructure, and food systems.
- By 2050, the consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes needs to double, while the consumption of red meat and sugar needs to be halved to meet sustainable dietary requirements.
- Globally, approximately 25-30% of food is lost or wasted, contributing to significant resource depletion and environmental impact.
Let’s explore some simple yet impactful actions we can take to reduce our carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future.
🌱 Embrace a plant-based diet: Opt for more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and reduce your consumption of meat, seafood, and dairy. By doing so, you’ll lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote better health.
🌾 Choose seasonal and local produce: Support local farmers and reduce carbon emissions by enjoying fresh, delicious, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. It’s a win for both your taste buds and the environment.
🍽️ Wasting food has environmental and economic consequences, including land and water wastage, pollution, lost labor, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Finish your plate and be mindful of what you consume to reduce waste.
🥦 Plan your meals ahead, buy only what you need, and get creative with leftovers. These habits help minimize food waste in your household.
♻️ Compost your organic waste instead of throwing it in the trash. Not only does this divert waste from landfills, but it also enriches the soil and reduces methane emissions.
⚡️ Food production requires valuable resources like land, water, and electricity. By minimizing food waste, we conserve these resources and reduce our environmental impact.
💰 Economically, wasting food means wasting money and straining resources. By reducing food waste, we can save money and support a more efficient and sustainable food system.
🌍 Share the knowledge: Spread the word about the benefits of sustainable food choices. Share recipes, tips, and experiences with friends, family, and your community. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change.
💪 The challenge of the day:
BBC created a footprint calculator that calculates the environmental impact of your chosen diet. Try it here: Follow the Food | BBC Future
Today, replace meat/seafood with a plant-based alternative at lunch or dinner, preferably with seasonal and local fruits and vegetables. Then plan a plant-based diet day during the rest of the 21 Days of Climate Consciousness Challenge!
If you are already doing that every day, congrats to you. Share with us your favourite recipes in the WhatsApp Group.
✍️ Once you are done, share your footprint, thoughts, reflections, and plans in the comment section!
📚 Additional resources:
Read the stories of startups addressing food waste: ClearPlate and InfyU Labs.