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Writer's pictureRayki Goh, MSc

Can Food Be the Answer to Climate Crisis?

Food sustainability merges economic viability, social equity, and environmental stewardship, aiming to reconcile human needs with the Earth's enduring capacity. With agriculture consuming vast quantities of freshwater and energy, the shift towards sustainable practices is not merely beneficial but imperative. But what exactly drives the transition towards food sustainability, and how does it propose to reshape our future?


Dear Food People,


Have you ever thought about how awesome it would be to enjoy delicious food while also doing your part to help the planet? Well, get ready to dig in, because we're diving into the world of food sustainability—where tasty eats meet environmental responsibility in a practical and down-to-earth way.


Okay, so what exactly is food sustainability? It's basically all about how we grow, share, and consume our food without causing harm to the environment or future generations. Think of it like a recipe for a brighter, greener future—one where we can still enjoy all our favourite foods without causing any harm to our planet. It's not just about what ends up on our plates; it's about how it got there and what kind of impact it has on the world around us.


When we talk about sustainable farming, we are referring to practical practices such as regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. These strategies are aimed at keeping our soil healthy and diversified while decreasing the usage of hazardous chemicals that can harm the ecosystem. And when it comes to fishing, sustainable practices such as selective fishing contribute to the health of our oceans.


But here's the deal, it's not just good for the planet; it's good for us too! Fresh, locally sourced, and minimally processed foods pack nutrients. Farming practices that prioritize soil health load our fruits and veggies with all the essential nutrients our bodies need.


Now, let's talk about the practical steps we can take to reduce food waste. It's not just about what ends up on our plates; it's also about what happens to all the food that doesn't make it there. We're talking about cutting down on food waste from the farm all the way to the dinner table. Food recovery programs harness the power of rescuing surplus food from farms, restaurants, and grocery stores to distribute it to those in need.


So, there you have it—a little taste of what food sustainability is all about. And hey, if you've got any thoughts or ideas on how we can tackle environmental or food sustainability issues, or if there's something specific you want us to cover in our future articles, shoot us a message over at dearfoodpeople.com. We'd love to hear from you!


 

Further Reading:

  1. The World Economic Forum, June 2023, The Future of Food: How to Make Our Food System Sustainable. Available at: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/06/making-food-system-more-sustainable/

  2. The Good Food Institute, August 2019, Food Sustainability: Just how sustainable is plant-based meat? Available at: https://gfi.org/blog/sustainable-meat-fact-sheet/

  3. National Geographic, July 2019, The 10 Most Important Things You Can Do for Food Sustainability. Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/how-to-feed-the-world-without-destroying-the-planet

  4. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), October 2020, Food Sustainability: A Guide to Eating for the Planet. Available at: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/eating-for-our-planet

  5. The EAT-Lancet Commission, n.d., The Future of Food: A Sustainable Diet for a Healthy Planet. Available at: https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/

  6. Harvard Health Publishing, n.d., Sustainable Eating: A Guide to Eating for Your Health and the Planet. Available at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sustainability/plate-and-planet/


 

The information provided in our articles is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The content on our website, including articles, is not meant to endorse or promote any specific medical treatments, products, or procedures. The information provided is based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. Medical practices and knowledge are constantly evolving, and what may have been accurate at the time of publication may not be current or applicable today.

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