You in? Great! Here’s 6 ways you can make your mealtimes more sustainable for our planet:
Nothing beats a seasonal meal, not only do you feel more in touch with nature – it also means what you’re eating has been produced in a less carbon intensive way. Keep in mind that it isn’t just veg that’s seasonal, meat and fish can be too! Follow us on Instagram to get updates on what’s in season. The BBC also has this nifty seasonal calendar, full of easy seasonal recipes!
UK households waste 4.5m tonnes of food each year. Avoid those bad vibes that happen when food is sent to the bin. Reducing food waste is a skill like any other and there’s loads of helpful websites out there to get that #FoodWasteWarrior ball rolling. Why not start by visiting Love Food Hate Waste or Friends of the Earth. Feeling extra keen? Volunteer with our friends at Foodcycle, who provide surplus food to people in need across the UK.
You don’t need to cut out meat entirely from your diet to become a more sustainable eater, just moderate it (as suggested by the folks at Greenpeace). A little bit of wisdom from famous chef Bobby Flay, “go vegetable heavy. Reverse the psychology of your plate by making meat the side dish and vegetables the main course.” Become more sustainable by making vegetables the star of the show.
Responsible food producers will often use certifications as a way of communicating their sustainability credentials, such as the Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance. Some accreditations are better than others, and some are, well… a little dubious. It’s good to be clued up on what eco-labels to look out for, we recommend this great article by Which.com.
Buying local can sometimes seem like the pricier option, but totally worth it for your health, your community and reducing your food miles. You can cut costs in other ways, such as reducing your household’s meat intake and other pricey processed foods. Here’s a level-headed article by Simpleminded.life that talks honestly about the pros and cons of buying food locally.
It’s cost effective and good for the soul. Growing food at home IS possible, whether you’re in a high-rise flat or a house with a nice garden (ooh lucky you!). There’s food-growing potential everywhere, even on your windowsill. With a little patience, you’ll have grown food with as many food miles as it takes to walk to your kitchen. The team at moneysavingexpert.com have a few handy tips on how to get started with (almost) no cost.