23 Tips to Start Your Eco Friendly Diet in 2023

There’s no better time than the new year to reflect on past habits and plan for the next 12 months.

With eco-friendly meals added to your list of solutions, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. eat locally

When food doesn’t have to be transported very far, it has a higher level of sustainability because it emits less carbon dioxide. By eating locally, you indirectly reduce the demand for food outside your local area.

2. Minimize red meat intake

Producing one pound of beef requires enough water to fill 39 standard tubs. Minimizing the demand for red meat slows industry growth and reduces water waste.

3. Minimize dairy intake

The big milk brands don’t want you to know that cows are responsible for 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Less demand for dairy products means less need for so many cattle.

4. Minimize white meat intake

All meat production is a waste of water and a large carbon footprint, even though white meat requires fewer resources. Consider practicing no Mondays.

5. reduce animal food

Choosing a plant-based eco-friendly diet can help conserve natural resources and minimize carbon emissions. Practicing veganism even once a week is a big step towards a more sustainable future. There will be about 8 million vegans in 2022, and that proportion is growing exponentially.

6. food preparation

Preparing meals in advance helps you shop smart, eat enough, and waste less food. Minimizing food waste is not only good for the environment, it’s good for your wallet too! Weekly meal prep saves you money while protecting the environment.

Meal prep dinner of the week pic.twitter.com/XomXQpc3PM

— BuzzFeed Food (@BuzzFeedFood) December 15, 2022

7. Take advantage of farmers markets

Farmers markets are a great place to buy locally grown produce. Prices are sometimes cheaper than chain grocers, but if you’re into a wide variety of plant-based foods, you’ll find everything you need at the farmers market.

8. grow at home

Got a green thumb? Eat from your own backyard! Growing fruits and vegetables in your own garden can save you a lot of money. The result is fewer grocery store purchases and limited food packaging waste.

9. eat raw fruits and vegetables

Don’t cook if you don’t have to. Raw fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and cabbage, contain more vitamins and nutrients than cooked ones. increase.

10. take a supplement

Taking a daily supplement balances the nutrients you’re missing in your diet and regulates hunger levels.

11. drink more water

Drinking more local water from refillable water bottles has a positive impact on your health and helps combat the plastic crisis our environment is currently facing. Then not only is packaging wasted, but national shipping contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

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Related sources: Transitioning to vegan | | Seed proteins: a win-win for the environment and health?

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12. Supporting small food businesses

Grocery shopping at small markets and going to local restaurants instead of chains benefit the local economy. Plus, small businesses are more likely to have more control over their business operations and care more about the environment they produce, making them the perfect place for anyone looking to start eating green in 2023.

Holland 🇳🇱

🚜 The Dutch government is threatening to buy over 3,000 farms that fail to meet EU emissions targets.

🚜 Communities show their support for localism to farmers by starting food cooperatives and farmers markets that buy directly from local farms.#NoFarmsNoFood pic.twitter.com/8rSnGrDCfa

— James Melville (@JamesMelville) December 14, 2022

13. eat at home

Eating at home instead of restaurants is good for the environment because it reduces waste and encourages excess food demand.

14. Potluck

Invite your friends to join you for a potluck dinner. We will bring one dish per person, so please share it with everyone. You’ll save money, be able to try new foods, and probably have leftovers! Don’t forget to bring home reusable containers to reduce food waste.

15. eat seasonally

You can save money and support locally grown crops by eating what’s in season in your area. Grocers often offer discounts on seasonal produce because there is usually a surplus of the product. Incorporate seasonal produce into your diet to save money and eat on time.

16. Buy less packaged goods

Less packaging means less waste. This saves landfill space and has great environmental benefits.

17. compost

Composting produce results in healthier soil that retains moisture and nutrients, attracts beneficial organisms, and reduces the need for chemicals and fertilizers. Starting a compost bin is easier than you think. Simply dump the contents in the garden as needed.

18. Bulk buying

Buying certain foods in bulk reduces packaging waste and can save you money in some cases. Bundling purchases is often worthwhile, especially if you’re feeding a large family.

19. eat more whole foods

Natural and whole foods are the touchstone of an eco-friendly diet that is not only healthier for your body, but healthier for the planet. It is far more wasteful than produce grown in

20. Choose your seafood carefully

Even seafood may be farmed in unsustainable ways. Familiarize yourself with the local fish market’s aquaculture sources to ensure you’re eating safe, sustainably grown seafood.

21. don’t waste leftovers

Wasting food is as unsustainable as it gets. Don’t leave any leftovers!

22. Prioritize plant-based foods for an eco-friendly diet

Make sure at least half of the plate is plant-based. With consistency, this small change can make a big difference.

23. Check out local food share programs

Organizations, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters may ask for food donations. Before you throw anything away, check your local FoodShare program to see if it’s edible for those in need.

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed herein by Impakter.com columnists are their own and not those of Impakter.com. — in featured photos: Fridge food. Featured photo credit: this.