Going green when it comes to your eating habits doesn’t have to be expensive and demanding. There are also quick and easy changes you can make to help the planet, without sacrificing on taste. Follow our top tips for green eating…
1. Get shopping delivered
To cut down on carbon emissions, it is better to have food delivered to your door than it is to drive to the shops. A single delivery van using a well-planned and efficient route will be able to deliver food to lots of people each day, burning less fuel that it would take for each of those people to make a trip to the shops themselves. For even less emissions, you could walk to a local shop, which is good for the environment and a nice bit of exercise.
2. Choose local produce
Choosing seasonal, local produce is a great way to reduce the impact that the transportation of food has on the environment. Locally sourced food won’t have travelled miles to get there so the carbon footprint is much lower. Try shopping at your local farmers market, supporting your community as well as helping the planet.
3. Reduce meat and dairy
Meat is by far the most resource-intensive food to produce. Reducing the amount of meat that you eat is an easy way to go green and save a little money on your food bills. Dairy products also require a lot of energy and resources, so as far as green eating goes, vegetarians are better off than meat-eaters, but vegans take the top prize!
4. Cook in bulk batches
Cooking in large batches, and then freezing the extra, is another practical way to reduce the energy consumption in preparing your meals.
5. Drink tap water
Tap water has a significantly smaller carbon footprint that bottled water, therefore drinking tap water will help to save you money and is better for the environment.
6. Use a microwave
Microwave ovens are more energy efficient that both gas and electric ovens. Using your microwave instead of your oven for tasks like re-heating food will save a little energy each time, reducing your bills, and helping the planet.
7. Go organic
Organic food is not only a healthy option for you and your family, it is also better for the environment. The organic food production process protects the ecosystem from many harmful chemicals that would otherwise cause damage over time.
8. Reduce packaging
Most food packaging is made from petroleum-based plastics which don’t degrade naturally and require energy to dispose of safely. By choosing food with minimal packaging, or no packaging at all, you are helping to reduce that energy requirement which is great for the planet. Re-cycling your waste is another way to help you eat a little greener.
9. Fair trade
When you choose to buy fair trade products you are helping to ensure decent wages and better living conditions for the people who farm it. But also, due to more stringent environmental standards in the fair trade industry, you are contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
10. Grow your own
Whether you have a country estate, a poky allotment, or simply an urban windowsill, growing your own produce can be fun and environmentally friendly. It cuts down on transport emissions and packaging, and gives you a chance to show off your prized vegetables when your friends come over for dinner or a party.
Top 10s
See the full range of top tips from around the site
