This Saturday marks the fifth annual Food Day, a movement to celebrate good food. Traditionally, Food Day centers on a theme that is of critical importance to sustainable food systems. This year does not disappoint as thousands will congregate at events to move towards a greener diet and recognize food’s role in nourishing the body and the planet.
It comes as no surprise that what we eat is related to our health, but perhaps less understood is the connection between what we eat and the environment.
Simply consider what happens to food before and after it gets to the table. Decisions on what to plant, how to grow or catch food, where to transport it, and whether and how to dispose of it can have significant implications for the environment.
With 50% of land in the U.S. and 80% of drinkable water devoted to food production, there is no question that there is an inextricable link between food, health and the environment.¹ Seafood provides another example of this connection; while we rely on seafood as a healthy source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, nearly 70% of the world’s fisheries are either fully fished or overfished.² Finally, each year, one third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted – meaning also the resources used to make that food are wasted.³
Policymakers and research organizations are working on solving some of these complex issues within our food system so that we have a sustainable approach to feeding ourselves. In the meantime, there are small actions we can take as individuals:
- Enjoy a plant-focused diet. Plants require significantly less resource investment compared to animals, so the more you fill your plate with them, the smaller your food footprint. We’ve got plenty of vegetable-forward dishes to help you.
- Plan your meals in advance to avoid wasting food. By making plans in advance and buying groceries accordingly, you are are less likely to make those spontaneous purchases that end up in the trash. Our recently updated meal planner is a great tool to get organized.
- Explore alternative dishes. It’s difficult to change your eating habits for your health or the environment. Think about the process as an adventure and it’ll come a little easier. Take advantage of the creative recipes on Zipongo to push the culinary envelope.
Consider taking action this Food Day for your health and the health of the environment. Visit Food Day’s website to see what’s happening near you and share how you’ll take part in the comments below.
References
¹ Pimental and Pimental, World Futures 2003
² General situation of world fish stocks. UN Food and Agriculture Association. http://www.fao.org/newsroom/common/ecg/1000505/en/stocks.pdf
³ Global food losses and food waste. UN Food and Agriculture Association. http://www.fao.org/docrep/014/mb060e/mb060e00.pdf
