When it comes to improving your health and reducing your carbon footprint, you may be surprised to learn that what you eat can actually make a big difference. By following some simple nutrition tips, you can improve your health while also doing your part to protect the environment. Keep reading to learn more!
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Eat more plant-based meals.
Eating more plant-based meals is one of the easiest, most budget-friendly ways to improve your health and reduce your carbon footprint. Plant-based eating, in all its forms, is not only filled with beneficial nutrients but it can also decrease exposure to toxins and pollutants found in animal sources.
Consider replacing just one meal a day with plant-based options – whether you create a delicious veggie stir fry or enjoy a hearty bowl of soup, legumes, and grains – and watch the impact grow over time.
Enjoy the delicious recipes available online or challenge yourself to come up with something new and inventive – either way you’ll be making positive choices for you and the planet. Choose locally-produced food when you can as well – this not only supports your local economy but it also helps reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of food.Â
Choose organic foods when possible.
While it’s easier to simply grab whatever food is the most convenient, choosing organic foods when possible has many perks. Organic produce is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and often contains more nutrients than non-organic produce.
Organic foods are also better for the environment since they don’t contribute to global warming as much. Also, when you buy organic products, you’re typically supporting local, small-scale farms which can be a great way to help sustain your community.
So if you want to take a step towards improving both your health and reducing your carbon footprint, opt for organic food when possible! Even when shopping online you can use a carbon neutral shopping add on for the shopping cart to reduce your impact. Keep in mind, though, that organic does not always mean it is healthier – be sure to do your research and read labels.
Reduce food waste by planning
Conscientiousness and care for our environment is a top priority for many of us. One way we can make an impact is to plan our meals in advance, reducing the unnecessary purchase of food that sits in our fridges and pantries long after its expiration date. Preparing ahead also helps to ensure that what we choose is healthful and exciting rather than comfort food-based or convenience purchases.
Meal planning is not only healthier and more environmentally friendly, but it reduces impulsive spending and ensures that everything you bring into your home gets used and enjoyed. Also, when you plan meals for the week, you can make sure to use leftovers in creative ways – think of them as mini-recipes!
Leftovers not only reduce food waste but can also help us save time and money. Try to create a regular meal planning system that works for you and your family, and take it one step further by tracking your food waste and working to reduce it as much as possible.
Compost your food scraps
Composting your food scraps is a simple and effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only does composting provide vital nutrients for plants, but it also keeps organic waste out of landfills which helps reduce emissions from decomposing organic matter. Composting is also beneficial for improving the health of the soil in gardens, landscaping, and green spaces.
Working compost into the soil helps to create a healthier environment for existing organisms living in the soil and can also create additional habitats for beneficial insects like worms and ladybugs.
Even if you don’t have a garden or a yard, there are services that offer local compost pickup that recycle your waste into mulch used by city parks and other public areas. Composting is an easy way to make an impact while taking care of your health!
Not to mention it is a great way to teach kids about the environment and where their food comes from. No matter your food choices, by taking small steps towards sustainability you can make a big impact on your health and the planet.
Support local farmers
One of the best ways to make a meaningful impact on the environment and your health is to support local farmers. When you shop at your local farmers market, not only are you getting higher quality food that’s in season, but you’re also reducing the environmental cost of transportation— food sometimes travels thousands of miles just to reach your plate. Furthermore, you’re often helping out family-run businesses and encouraging responsible farming practices, such as heirloom plants and organic land management. Choosing local fresh produce may even help protect plants that are important for biodiversity and resilience against climate change. Supporting local farmers is an integral part of living a healthier lifestyle for yourself and for our planet.
Educate yourself
It’s an exciting challenge to take charge of our own health and wellness, and nutrition plays a major role. When it comes to educating ourselves so that we can make better decisions about what to eat, one of the smartest things you can do is arm yourself with information.
Taking time to read reliable resources on nutrition and health, such as the latest articles from reputable organizations or online journals, will give you a deeper understanding of what makes up a healthy diet.
Remember that health encompasses more than just food – balanced exercise, stress management, and self-care (allowing yourself adequate sleep and rest) are just some additional factors that need to be considered in order to lead a sustainable and ultimately rewarding lifestyle.
By making some small changes in our diets, we can have a big impact on not only our health but also the planet. If we all commit to eating more plant-based meals, choosing organic foods when possible, reducing food waste, composting scraps, and supporting local farmers, we can make a huge difference. But it starts with each of us educating ourselves about the issue and making a personal commitment to do what we can. With Earth Day right around the corner, there’s no better time to start than now!
