When we think about the food on our plates, it’s easy to focus solely on flavor and nutrition; however, the journey from farm to table has a much larger impact on our planet. Methane released by livestock, nitrous oxide from fertilizers, and carbon dioxide from deforestation to clear farmland all contribute to this increasing global warming footprint. For example, producing one kilogram of beef can emit up to 60 kilograms of carbon dioxide, according to the United Nations Organization.
However, when there’s rain, there’s always a rainbow that follows. Sustainable eating offers a powerful way to turn this around. Choosing diets rich in plant-based foods, such as beans, nuts, and seasonal local produce, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve renewable resources like water and soil. It also helps slow deforestation and protect diversity by lessening the demand for land-intensive animal agriculture. Moreover, reducing food waste, which currently accounts for 17 percent of all food produced globally, minimizes unnecessary packaging and energy consumption. When asked on her stance on eating sustainably, Aiyanna Reed (11) states that, “We were fortunate to learn that many animals are raised in CAFOS-controlled animal feeding operations, and unable to free graze, so I fully support eating sustainably where animals can free graze and live longer.”
Eating sustainably doesn’t just reduce environmental harm; it can also significantly improve personal health. Diets centered around whole, plant-based, and limited processed foods have been linked to lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, over 1.3 billion adults were overweight or obese, as well as 462 million suffered from undernutrition; consequently, due to poor dietary patterns.
Sustainable eating addresses this by prioritizing nutrient-rich foods, such as legumes, vegetables, and whole grains, while reducing reliance on ultra-processed items high in sugar, salt, and addictive fats. These choices not only provide critical fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants but also promote long-term health and longevity.
Additionally, investing in local food systems plays a crucial role in supporting small farmers and businesses, while also strengthening community resilience. Small farms and local neighborhood businesses often rely on community buyers to stay afloat. According to the USDA, data shows that direct-to-consumer food sales totaled nearly $12 billion in 2017, with smaller farms earning a larger share through farmers’ markets. Buying local reduces our dependence on far-reaching supply chains that often exploit labor, waste resources, and disconnect us from the source of our food. Local food systems create jobs, circulate money within the community, and offer fresher, more nutritious produce.
Starting to eat sustainably doesn’t require radical shifts but rather thoughtful choices that benefit both your health and the environment. Choosing seasonal and locally grown produce ensures fresher meals while supporting local farmers and reducing emissions from long-distance transportation. Cutting back on red meat and processed foods is crucial, as these items often have a larger environmental impact.
