Today’s environmental threats are no longer abstract; climate change, pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity are all major concerns that must be addressed if the planet is to remain habitable for future generations. In light of this, we need to make changes in our daily lives that will positively impact the planet—and your own well-being too! Here are 5 climate-friendly eating habits you can adopt today that will help protect the Earth in more ways than one.
1. Practice Mindful Eating
Mindful eating is a practice that can help you be more aware of what and how much you’re eating. It encourages you to slow down, tune in, and listen to your body as you eat. There are ways to practice mindful eating throughout your day; try focusing on one or two at a time, such as sitting down for every meal (or snack) and really thinking about what you’re putting into your mouth. This can help reduce mindless snacking throughout the day.
2. Buy Your Food Responsibly
Buying and storing food responsibly is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Whenever possible, buy local, seasonal produce from farmers’ markets or directly from farmers. This way, you know exactly where your food is coming from—and how far it has traveled. If you can’t buy local produce, opt for frozen or canned fruits and vegetables instead of those out of season in your area.
3. Cut Back On Meat
Avoiding meat is one of your most effective tools for fighting climate change. Research has that livestock production accounts for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, more than all forms of transportation combined. That’s because raising animals for food requires big land, water, and energy, producing lots of waste.
4. Enjoy Your Greens
You can also protect the climate by simply eating more fruits and vegetables. Research shows that diets high in plant foods are associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions than diets high in animal products. That’s because plants take up carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, while animals (including humans) produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration.
Many eating habits can help protect our environment. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be more environmentally friendly, try incorporating these four tips into your daily routine.