After uncovering the production chain from farm to factories to retailers, we will find out that consumers also play a crucial role in affecting the environment too! The food choices and diets that we have would affect the demand for certain types of food, which has an environmental impact during the previous stages of food production.
According to an article by Lawler (2019), there are 11 different types of diets, ranging from vegetarian, keto and Mediterranean diets. In this post, we will uncover these questions: What are the different types of diets? How does our diet affect the environment? Which diet would be the most sustainable?
1. Animal-based Diet
This diet is also called the “Carnivore Diet”, where we consume meat, fish, and eggs, with some other animal products, including butter, yoghurt, and cheese (ibid.). As countries develop and get wealthier, people tend to consume “diets high in calories, protein and animal-based foods, such as beef, dairy, pork, chicken, eggs and fish” (Ranganathan and Waite, 2016). From Stage 1: Food Production, we have uncovered the production of animal-based foods and we found that they are resource-intensive. “Chicken and pork are more resource-efficient than beef, but still require three times more land and emit three times more greenhouse gas emissions than beans” (ibid.). Animal-based diets can also lead to environmental impacts such as eutrophication, acidification of water and soil and also air pollution. Hence, as mindful consumers, we should take steps to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products as it could “reduce our carbon footprint from food by up to 73%” (Petter, 2020). Here is a good quote by Glenza (2019), “I’m not advocating for more meat, I’m advocating for meat that has proper portions. I love steak, but I don’t have it every day.”
2. Vegan and Vegetarian Diets
What is the least environmentally-pollutive diet? Most of us tend to think of veganism and vegetarianism and this is true! Many studies have concluded that it is the “single best way to reduce the impact on planet Earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use and water use” (Petter, 2020). A vegan diet omits all animal products and consumes fruits, vegetables, and grains; while a vegetarian diet eliminates meat, poultry, and fish and opts for plant-based foods (Lawler, 2019). Growing plant-based foods take up less land and are less environmentally pollutive as compared to animal-based foods. Also, organic foods (although expensive) tend to be more environmentally-friendly due to the non-utilisation of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides (Varanasi, 2019). Hence, for some of us, it might be difficult to make a complete switch to plant-based diets due to financial or social reasons. It might also be due to the lack of knowledge about the production of certain foods, limited options in our grocery stores or high premium prices set by retailers. More actions need to be taken by food retailers and dining places to provide alternatives for more sustainable and mindful consumption.
3. Mediterranean Diet
Another form of diet which is environmentally sustainable: the Mediterranean diet comprises mainly “plant-based and heart-healthy foods, such as olive oil and nuts, and calls for eating fish more frequently than red meat” (Lancer, 2019). For this diet, the water requirements for food production is 60% less, 70% less land used, 90% less energy, and produce 70% fewer greenhouse gasses (Cahana, 2018). Not only is this good for the environment, but it is also good for your health! Also, the origin of our fish can have differing impacts too. Buying from local fish farms is generally better and less pollution from transportation as compared to buying fresh fish that travels by plane to get to your plate (Lancer, 2019).
In summary, “with the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, what humanity eats has growing implications for topsoil, pollution, greenhouse gases and deforestation” (Glenza, 2019). Hence, we should take action to eat food that is healthy and also environmentally friendly. We can reduce our consumption of animal meat, such as beef whenever possible, or replacing our animal protein sources with wheat, corn, beans, eggs and fish.
Trailing off,
Jade and Ridzuan
References
Cahana, A.L. (2018). Is the Mediterranean diet eco friendly? [online] Ayala’s Herbal Water. Available at: https://herbalwater.typepad.com/ayalas_herbal_water/2018/02/is-the-mediterranean-diet-eco-friendly.html [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
Glenza, J. (2019). The diet for a healthy planet: what should environmentalists eat? The Guardian. [online] 27 Jan. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jan/27/environmentally-friendly-foods-samin-nosrat [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
Lawler, M. (2019). The Best and Worst Diet Plans for the Environment. [online] EverydayHealth.com. Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/best-worst-diet-plans-environment/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
Petter, O. (2020). Veganism is “single biggest way” to reduce our environmental impact on planet, study finds. [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/veganism-environmental-impact-planet-reduced-plant-based-diet-humans-study-a8378631.html [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
Ranganathan, J. and Waite, R. (2016). Sustainable Diets: What You Need to Know in 12 Charts. [online] World Resources Institute. Available at: https://www.wri.org/blog/2016/04/sustainable-diets-what-you-need-know-12-charts [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
Varanasi, V. (2019). Is Organic Food Really Better for the Environment? [online] State of the Planet. Available at: https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2019/10/22/organic-food-better-environment/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2020].
