Food Choices: The Role in Global Warming

Climate change is an issue that affects everybody, but many individuals feel disempowered when it comes to taking action. There are plenty of ways that you can help to combat climate change. Addressing your current eating habits and making some adjustments can have a positive impact. Reducing certain foods in your diet, making smart choices and eliminating waste all contribute to the fight against global warming.

Eliminate food waste at home

Around 40% of food produced is wasted through produce regulations, supermarket waste and overbuying. You can reduce food waste at home by planning a weekly menu and only purchasing the food you need. Keep an eye on sell-by dates and make sure you use up anything that is about to go bad. You can also connect with charities in your community that are willing to take fresh produce, for example homeless shelters. Donate food that you will not be able to eat rather than throw it away.

Purchase wonky fruit

Food waste also comes from produce regulation, meaning that fresh produce has to look a certain way to make it onto some supermarket shelves. Check your local supermarkets for a wonky fruit or ugly fruit section. These stores typically sell fresh produce that is considered unfit for supermarket shelves at a discounted price. Some farms deliver wonky fruit and veg boxes filled with seasonal produce that cannot be sold to major supermarkets. If there is no store or delivery service like this in your area, you can engage in campaigns to petition supermarkets and governments to change regulations on the shape, size and colour of fruit and veg sold in stores.

Reduce intake of meat and animal products

The production of meat and animals products, such as dairy and eggs, is a major factor in deforestation and uses a lot of unnecessary energy. Some people choose to adopt plant-based diets to try to combat climate change. Realistically, if everybody cut down the amount of meat and dairy they consumed, everyone could enjoy a little bit without having to give it up completely. Eggs are problematic because forests are being chopped down in order to produce chicken feed. If you can, consider keeping chickens or buying eggs from a local garden or allotment. Chickens kept in a garden eat grass, insects and natural foods, so do not contribute to the destruction of natural habitats.

Shop local

Shopping for local produce cuts down on carbon emissions used to transport food from abroad. Check labels on fresh produce and try to find items produced locally. If possible, shop at local farm stores or farmers' markets. Items produced locally can be more expensive, which is a deterrent for those living on the breadline. If you can't afford to buy locally grown produce, you can raise awareness and educate people to encourage those who can afford it to buy from local farms.

Compost fruit and veg waste

If you have a garden, you could consider starting a compost heap to turn your fruit and veg waste into a valuable food growing resource. Compost is important for growing plants, including fruit and vegetables. If you don't have an allotment or vegetable patch, you can still compost as a way to recycle food waste. Connect with community garden projects at schools or care homes and donate your compost to a good cause. Alternatively, consider starting your own vegetable patch.

Avoid palm oil

Products containing palm oil contribute to deforestation. Many companies have become aware that palm oil should be avoided, so check food labels and choose products that do not contain this ingredient. Deforestation leads to the extinction of many different animal and plant species, the destruction of eco-systems and ultimately global warming. Follow wildlife charities on social media for updates about new ingredients that are contributing to climate change and change your shopping habits accordingly.

Eat insects

In the west, the idea of eating insects tends to fill people with disgust. Insects are eaten all over the world, particularly in Asia and South America. Products containing crickets and mealworms are already available in many western supermarkets. Insects are a sustainable source of protein that can replace meat, dairy and eggs, all of which contribute to climate change. Protein can also be found in beans, pulses and legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas. These plant-based proteins are a good option if the idea of eating insects is a step too far.

Changing your eating habits can be challenging, especially if you eat meat on a daily basis or live on a tight budget. People with certain illnesses may need to eat meat or dairy products to stay healthy. However, every little bit helps. Identify the ways that you can help and make small adjustments to your lifestyle to prevent deforestation and avoid food waste.

Article by Jennifer Considine