Food is a massive part of life and culture all over the world, but things are about to change as protecting the environment becomes even more vital. This could alter many things in life, including what we eat. We may need to re-think some of our meals to make them more sustainable. Read on to learn about what we should be eating and how our meals might have to change…  

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Being Vegetarian or Vegan 

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Being vegetarian or vegan means not eating any meat. Veganism has more to it though, it’s when someone doesn’t eat or use any animal products. For example, they can’t wear leather shoes. Many people are vegetarian or vegan. This is good for the planet, but if you’re thinking of making the change yourself then make sure you do lots of research about how to stay healthy and talk to adults you trust about it. If you want to help but love your ham and beef then try to eat Free Range/organic foods. This means that the animals had a nice life and were able to roam about in fields, and when it’s organic, no chemicals have been used in the production of the item.  

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Sustainability and Packaging 

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Have a look when you go shopping at where your food comes from and if it’s sustainable. If the vegetables you love come from abroad and need to travel to the supermarket by trucks and airplanes giving off pollution, can you find another similar option that is grown locally? Also, try to buy food loose rather than packaged in plastic. Shockingly, 300 million crisp packets and 200 million sweet wrappers are thrown away every year. Do you really need that magazine wrapped in plastic with ‘free’ plastic toys? The plastic accessories may be free for you but they’re costing the Earth. The Week Junior have 10 great tips on how you and your family can make a difference. Go to: http://ads.dennisnet.co.uk/subs/2019/TWJ/1_Downloads/TWJ-191-Poster-Download.pdf 

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Meals 

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We all eat a wide variety of foods, but most meals contain elements of the main food groups: protein (in meat, eggs, beans, dairy and nuts), carbohydrates (in bread, potatoes, rice and other grains), fruit and vegetables, but that may not be the best thing for the planet. Experts say that we need to slow down on the amount of meat we’re eating and start eating more plant proteins. The ideal plate is called the Planetary Health Diet. The diet is designed for adults but young people can do their bit by eating less meat, more legumes (beans, lentils etc.), seeds and nuts, plant oils (olive oil etc.), wholegrain carbohydrate (pasta, bread etc.), a small portion of dairy (milk, cheese etc.) and a little bit of sugar. This way, you can have a healthy, balanced diet but still enjoy the food you (and the planet), love with friends and family!