In recent years, we have noticed an ecological awareness on the part of many French people who decide to turn to a more responsible diet. This new way of consuming helps to reduce the impact of our daily behaviors on the planet. Today, Feed. offers you 7 tips to help you eat more responsibly.
Buy less. Buy better.
This is the #1 rule for eating more responsibly: buy what you really need and don't go shopping on an empty stomach at the risk of rushing into everything that comes your way! Do a quick inventory of what you have left in your fridge before going shopping, this will help you avoid buying food that you don't need and which risks ending up in the trash. Buy less, but the better it is, you save money and limit food waste.
Do your shopping near you.
The journey you make by car between your home and your supermarket represents a significant part of the carbon footprint of your purchases. The closer you buy to your home, the more you can reduce the environmental impact of your purchases.
Bonus.
If you can walk or bike to do your shopping, even better!
Buy local from good producers and trusted labels.
In a more environmentally friendly approach, it is important to buy products from good, labeled or certified producers and above all to favor products from short supply chains. In order to behave more responsibly, we need to learn more about production methods. Here are the main symbols linked to the quality and origin of the 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 allows you to reduce packaging, but also avoid waste by purchasing the exact quantity 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 foods whose expiration date is approaching if you are sure to consume them quickly. This will allow you to prevent these products from ending up in the trash.
Did you know ?
DLC – expiry date – only concerns perishable foods. Beyond this date, food may present a health risk. It is indicated by the words “consume until”. DLUO – best before date – concerns foods that can be consumed after the date indicated if they are not opened. It is indicated by the words “best consumed before”.
Promote organic and non-GMO products.
It is interesting to favor organic as well as non-GMO foods, because they do not contain pesticides or other chemicals harmful to your health. Be careful, though. Organic labels are not the same everywhere. So be sure to check with the merchants.
Foods from organic farming or certified non-GMO are generally better for your health.
In addition, according to ANSES, organic products have a higher content of certain nutrients. ORGANIC fruits and vegetables are richer in polyphenols, known for their anti-oxidant properties which protect the plant. The chemical protection provided by pesticides encourages the plant not to produce its own natural defenses, which are beneficial to human health. The meat would be less fatty given the slower and natural growth of the animals, but richer in polyunsaturated fatty acids because it is fed with better quality food. What's more, ORGANIC producers are used to favoring short circuits to preserve nutritional qualities, picking fruits and vegetables at the last moment to guarantee their freshness, but also to limit their impact on the environment.
Buy seasonal produce.
Buying seasonal products is a guarantee of quality and freshness. Fruits and vegetables are picked when ripe, which means their flavor will be much more pronounced and tasty. So taste the tomatoes this summer to compare with those of the coming winter, they will definitely not 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 (climate suitable for their cultivation) where they are picked well before maturity in order 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 intake.
Everyone is free to eat as they wish. We're not at all saying that you need to cut meat out of your diet. However, in a more environmentally friendly approach, it is important to pay attention to the origin of your meat products as well as the quantity you consume.
Indeed, the resources (water and food) necessary for the production of meat are far greater than those required to produce plant foods (cereals, legumes, fruits, etc.). In addition, the food necessary for the growth of these animals (cereals, soya, water) could very well be used directly for human consumption, thus saving numerous resources.
In summary.
There are several ways to eat more responsibly. If everyone gradually starts to follow these tips, it is possible that in the near future we will observe a positive development regarding pollution, food waste, but also the environment. Up to you !
