Greenhouse gasses per kilogram food product. Pixabay
Flexitarianism:According to the researchers, Western societies are slowly adopting flexitarian lifestyles, which involve a reduction of meat, livestock, and animal products in response to the climate crisis. They found overwhelming evidence to show that a Western-style diet rich in meat is the worst option for a planet in crisis.
Consuming beans, pulses, and other proteinsAnimal-based proteins can be a good source of essential amino acid, but soya and chia are great sources of complete proteins such as tofu, buckwheat and chia. The nutritious source of protein is also found in insects, which have been a part of Chinese cuisine for more than 3,000 years.
Reduce food wasteWorld Resources Institute estimates that nearly 25% of all food is wasted. This is especially true in North America and Oceania, where food waste is particularly high. Other sources indicate that food waste would be the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases if it were a country.
Reduced food packaging and single-use plasticsPlasticsEurope estimates that 368 million tonnes of plastic was produced in 2019, with the majority of this plastic used in food packaging. Despite efforts to recycle plastics, the majority end up in landfill.
Returning to circular farming practicesCircular agriculture was a widespread practice before the introduction fertilisers. It involves the return to the soil of nutrients that were derived from organic waste. Modern practices have resulted in a decrease in soil fertility which ultimately impacts the quality of the food we eat.
Supporting future generations with thoughtful food choicesA recentStudyProfessor Marinova and Dr Bogueva interviewed Gen Z participants about their attitudes to meat and protein alternative. 60 percent expressed concern about traditional livestock farming’s impact on the natural world.
