As the population around the world steadily grows, significant detrimental impacts on the environment have been noted over the past years. Climate change and loss of biodiversity are some of the major phenomena resulting from population expansion, but the effect of the massively growing population has not been as devastating as growing hunger and malnutrition around the world and global food insecurity. At present, almost 828 million people around the world go hungry on a regular basis, and with the growing population and depleting food reserves, world hunger is expected to be over a billion people by 2050.
Presently, the global food industry is one of the most prominent producers of environmental hazards and greenhouse gases, with a considerable carbon footprint. Due to the growing demand for food, most countries across the world focus on supplementing agricultural produce with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which often has a drastic environmental impact. Processing and marketing agricultural produce also contribute to the carbon footprint, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.
However, to avoid such a disastrous future, the United Nations has laid down 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that can resolve global food insecurity, and simultaneously close the gap between healthy and sustainable living, and climate crisis. The SDGs gained impetus over the past years, and have been deemed as some of the most prominent solutions that can positively impact the environment and help reduce our carbon footprint. And as responsible inhabitants of this planet, the least we can do to step towards a cleaner future is by adopting some sustainability when it comes to food development and consumption.
Food sources that can help in saving the planet.
In addition to the tips previously discussed, some food sources can be a great addition to your healthy, everyday diet, while still helping you to protect the environment, such as:
1. Algae:
While algae might not have been your top choice of meal over the past years, it might surprise you with its diversity and health benefits! Algae is easily categorised among the best sustainable foods for the future, especially since it can be easily produced in bulk amounts without the need for chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Algae is rich in nutrients like nutritional fatty acids, Vitamin C and Iodine, protein and antioxidants. Furthermore, it has been noted for its vital role in the production of oxygen and the sustenance of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, algae available as edible seaweed is known for the variety it adds to meals.
2. Green, leafy vegetables
Green, leafy vegetables are undoubtedly some of the most recommended sustainable food sources across the world. Not only do they add sustainability to the 21st Century food industry, but they can also be easily produced and distributed without the need for any additional processing. Green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale and arugula are also celebrated for their health benefits. Not only are they rich in nutrients like Vitamins A, C, E and K, but are also protective against serious health risks, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory and cardiac diseases. Aside from being incredibly nutritious, green, leafy vegetables are exceptionally eco-friendly and sustainable. They also encourage individuals to take up community activities like vegetable gardening, taking food sustainability a step ahead.
3. Cereals and grains
Grains and cereals have been staples in the human diet for centuries, making them some of the major sources of nutrition. And in addition to being extremely sustainable and protective of the environment and its natural resources, grains and cereals are rich in healthy nutrients and components necessary for everyday sustenance. Grains and cereals contain a high percentage of dietary minerals, vitamins, fibres and antioxidants, as well as phytosterols and polyphenols. They have also been ranked low in terms of their carbon dioxide emissions, and are, therefore, safe for everyday consumption.
4. Mushrooms
The consumption of mushrooms has been greatly encouraged over the past years on account of their amazing capability to lower the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. In addition to their minimum requirement of water and energy to grow, the mushroom is known to flourish even in harsh climates where other plants refuse to grow, making them one of the most convenient sources of nutrients like protein and fibre. Presently, over 2000 different edible varieties of mushrooms can be conveniently grown, helping you to add some great diversity to your list of sustainable foods.
5. Pulses and beans
Pulses and beans have also been hailed for their sustainable nature, which can be easily incorporated into your everyday diet. Beans and pulses have a vital role to play in the ecosystem because of their ability to convert the nitrogen gas present in the air and purify it for plant use, thereby fostering the ecosystem. They are also majorly dependent on “green water” as a source of nutrition, rather than having to rely on external forms of irrigation that might cause wastage of water. Beans and pulses like lentils and chickpeas are rich in protein, vitamin B and fibers, therefore lowering the need for animal-based foods as a source of protein.
In addition to these food sources, partaking in eco-friendly and sustainable activities, such as community gardening, reduction of carnivorous diets and buying your foods locally are great ways of boosting the environment, and as an Orosensation specialist and advocate of healthy eating, these have been some of the greatest contributions that could be made to protect the environment and taking a step towards a greener, sustainable future.