What is eco-friendly nutrition?
While 'healthy eating' is easier to classify based on the impact of foods on health, a 'healthy and sustainable diet' is more complex. In fact, there's no one definition.
Leading international experts and organisations agree that defining a healthy and sustainable diet is complex because it varies depending on the geographical location, food access and availability, and agricultural practices. Plus, foods included in a 'sustainable diet' vary between countries and continents dues to differences in biodiversity, climates, food security, accessibility, cultural differences, nutrient requirements, and food production practices. The scientific evidence is still rapidly evolving in this exciting of nutrition.
Key elements of eco-friendly nutrition?
Even without a single definition, there are key foods and dietary behaviours that are more environmentally sustainable (less impact on the climate), while being nutritious and good for health. The key elements are:
- Eating seasonal and local foods
- Increasing intake of plant-based foods
- Choosing minimally processed and whole foods in minimal packaging
- Reducing food waste
- Reducing intake of animal foods
- Practice mindful eating
What are the benefits?
There are many reasons to start to make healthier, more environmentally friendly food choices, with potential benefits including:
Personal and family benefits:
- Improved physical health
- Reduced spending on food
- Improved mental health
- Connection to the land
Community benefits:
- Supporting local food producers and farmers
- Connecting with local businesses
- Reduced impact of humans on the climate
National and global benefits:
- Reduced impact of humans on the climate
- A healthy planet for our children, grandchildren and those to follow.
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller