Our food vs. the environment
This week, Emily E in year 10 discusses how we can improve our food consumption for both the environment and our own health
I’m going to start by stating the obvious – we’re all worried about climate change. Some of us are very vocal about our worries, such as the activists who threw soup at famous paintings to bring attention to their opinions. However, the rest of us more quietly reflect about our own carbon footprints or use of plastic bags. But one of the major sources of negative environmental impact isn’t discussed as much as the others, that being food.
Our guilt surrounding food is driven by the impact that food has on the environment. This includes the production, the journey and the waste. It’s often accompanied by guilt around other actions. The way we travel, the products we buy, and generally the way we live. But feeling worried about our food’s impact on the environment is not a reason to feel eternally guilty about the products we consume.
What can we do to make a difference to our food consumption?
Allow me to present some long and short term solutions:
Number 1
Perhaps the easiest said but the hardest done. Accept that just because we don’t eat only citrus fruit and root vegetables, the planet is not going to die. It’s okay to not be a vegan, or a vegetarian as the lifestyle does not suit everyone. However, balance is important – but don’t endure a diet that makes you miserable because you’re afraid that eating one burger will kill the planet. It’s ok, it won’t.
Number 2
Try and learn a bit more about food production. It’s nice to eat local produce when we can. Plus, it’s always good to educate yourself about where your food comes from, and who’s producing it. Try and learn about the food beyond the Fairtrade label. Most websites will have a well-written information section to walk you through how produce comes to the shelves near you.
Number 3
As previously mentioned- balance. Try and eat less red meat (I’m sure you already know it’s pretty awful for the environment) and a few more vegetarian options- it’s good for your health and the planet. But, if you enjoy beef, then don’t stop eating it- just try and consider it before eating. If you’ve already had it twice this week, maybe try those prawns that you bought yesterday, or that salad that you promised you’d eat! Its important to get your five a day!
Number 4
Cut down on food waste. If you find yourself throwing away half of your food, prepare smaller portions. If you’re too full to finish your dinner, put it in some Tupperware in the fridge and have it for lunch the next day.
Most food waste comes from major food companies- this doesn’t mean that you should be careless about throwing away food. But it does mean that the planet isn’t going to collapse in on itself the second your mum’s ‘famous’ slow-cooked meals are thrown away. Additionally, if you know you won’t eat a meal, it’s better to TELL whoever’s cooking BEFORE they start. Please don’t become the person that walks downstairs for dinner after an hour of pretending to do homework only to turn their nose up at my wonderful older sister’s cooking (not based on my brother at all).
Yes, the environment is in danger, and yes, we should all be worried about it (and, for the most part, we are). But if you’re feeling worried about climate anxiety and guilt and it’s starting to cripple your decision-making. It’s a good idea to speak to someone. Counsellors, parents or an older sibling – you shouldn’t feel like the Earth’s future is on your shoulders alone.