In recent years, we've seen a growing awareness of environmental issues among many French people, who are choosing to adopt a more responsible diet. This new way of consuming helps reduce the impact of our daily behavior on the planet. Today, OKR offers 7 tips to help you eat more responsibly.
Buy less. Buy better.
This is rule number 1 for eating more responsibly: buy what you really need and don't go shopping on an empty stomach or you'll end up grabbing everything in sight! Take a quick inventory of what you have left in your fridge before you go shopping; this will prevent you from buying food you don't need and that risks ending up in the trash. Buy less, but better, it saves money and limits food waste.
Shop locally.
The journey you make by car between your home and the supermarket represents a significant portion of the carbon footprint of your purchases. The closer you shop to home, the more you can reduce the environmental impact of your purchases.
Bonus.
If you can walk or cycle to do your shopping, even better!
Buy local from good producers and trusted labels.
In a more environmentally friendly approach, it's important to buy products from good producers, labeled or certified, and especially to favor products from short supply chains. To behave more responsibly, you need to learn more about production methods. Here are the main symbols related to the quality and origin of food that you can find in your supermarkets.
Beware of waste.
There are several ways to limit your food waste. As we saw above, buying less, but better, is a positive first step. Buying in bulk not only reduces packaging, but also avoids waste by buying the exact amount you need. This method of purchasing is not only eco-responsible but also very beneficial for your wallet. With a view to more responsible consumption, consider buying food that is approaching its expiration date if you are sure to consume it quickly. This will allow you to prevent these products from ending up in the trash.
Did you know?
DLC – Best Before Date – only applies to perishable foods. Beyond this date, food may pose a health risk. It is indicated by the words “use by”. DLUO – Best Before Date – applies to foods that can be consumed after the indicated date if they are unopened. It is indicated by the words “best before”.
Favor organic and GMO-free products.
It's a good idea to choose organic and non-GMO foods because they don't contain pesticides or other chemicals that are harmful to your health. Be careful, though. Organic labels aren't the same everywhere, so be sure to check with retailers.
Foods that are organic or certified non-GMO are generally healthier.
Furthermore, according to ANSES, organic products are said to have a higher content of certain nutrients. Organic fruits and vegetables are said to be richer in polyphenols, known for their antioxidant properties that protect the plant. The chemical protection provided by pesticides encourages the plant to not produce its own natural defenses, which are beneficial to human health. Meat is said to be less fatty due to the slower, more natural growth of animals, but richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids because it is fed a higher-quality diet. Moreover, organic producers tend to favor short supply chains to preserve nutritional qualities, to pick fruits and vegetables at the last minute to guarantee their freshness, but also to limit their impact on the environment.
Buy seasonal products.
Buying seasonal produce is a guarantee of quality and freshness. Fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak, which means their flavor will be much more pronounced and flavorful. So try your tomatoes this summer to compare them with those from the coming winter; they definitely won't taste the same! This difference in flavor can be explained by the origin of certain summer vegetables that we consume throughout the year. In winter, these vegetables are often imported from warmer countries (climates conducive to their cultivation) where they are picked well before maturity to withstand transport.
Eating seasonal produce often helps reduce the amount of pesticides or other treatments used to preserve food for longer.
Be aware of your meat consumption.
Everyone is free to eat as they wish. We're not at all saying that you should eliminate meat from your diet. However, in a more environmentally friendly approach, it's important to pay attention to the origin of your meat products as well as the quantity you consume.
Indeed, the resources (water and food) required for meat production are far greater than those required to produce plant foods (cereals, legumes, fruits, etc.). Moreover, the food needed for the growth of these animals (cereals, soy, water) could easily be used directly for human consumption, thus saving many resources.
In summary.
There are several ways to eat more responsibly. If everyone gradually starts to follow these tips, we may see positive changes in the near future regarding pollution, food waste, and the environment. It's your turn!
