How to be More Sustainable This New Year

The word sustainable has gained much attention in recent years and it has for good reason. But, what does it mean to be sustainable? According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “sustainable agriculture enables us to produce healthful food without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.” In other words, eating in a way that is sustainable is to procure and consume foods that promote one’s overall well being, while also promoting the health of the environment. 

We can impact the environment with the food we eat.

As individuals, we have the opportunity to impact the environment around us. In fact, the very food we depend on is procured in a way that is causing environmental harm. An article written on the environmental impact of food production published by Our World in Data summarized the following global impact of food and agriculture on the environment: 

• Food accounts for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Half of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture. 
• 70% of global freshwater withdrawals are used for agriculture. 
• 78% of [global pollution of ocean and freshwater] is caused by agriculture (Hannah Ritchie (2020) – “Environmental impacts of food production”. Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/environmental-impacts-of-food‘

There are many benefits to eating sustainably. Food sources that are grown sustainably have a higher nutrition content and taste better. This is a result of farmers focusing on the quality of their crops by growing them without the use of chemicals. In addition, sustainable farmers grow a wider variety of produce, which promotes biodiversity in the environment. By shopping local, you can decrease your carbon footprint while also supporting your community. 

Tips to Eat More Sustainably: 

1. Shop local at farm stands or markets. 
2. Eat seasonally. 
3. Incorporate more plant-based foods to your diet. 
4. Focus on whole foods over processed items. 
5. Start a garden in your back-yard. 
6. Advocate for a community garden. 
7. Compost or reduce your food waste. 
8. Search for sustainable restaurants in your area. 
9. Enroll in a CSA program. 

Making small steps towards sustainability this new year will benefit you, the environment, and the future generations to come. You can learn more about living sustainably by visiting the AZ Dietitians blog. Here, you will find articles on seasonal produce picks, incorporating more vegetarian meals, avoiding food waste and more. 

Written by: Lexi Nazzaro, Dietetic Intern

Sources: Information adapted from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org and Our World in Data: ourworldindata.org

Photo from lexicolby_ by Lexi Nazzaro, Dietetic Intern