Good Lifestyle

"Sustainability" is a term that we mean in all aspects of our lives and more and more frequently that this concerns the food industry. If this is referenced in a break ofReusable products For a life with less garbage, orTips on how to use less plastic to eat, the subject of the sustainability of food has in search of ways to make a difference in all aspects of our lives, including our cooking and food habits.

But what is the "sustainable food"? To better understand what this movement really is, we talked with Katherine Miller, vice president of the impact at theJames Beard Foundation (JBF)On what meant to eat and cook in a sustainable way and how we can all make eco-friendly choices in our daily lives.

What is sustainable food?

"On a high level, sustainable food is the food produced to consider the impact on the environment, public health, human communities and animal welfare," explains Miller. "Considering carefully that our food choices are incredibly important. Americans spend nearly 10% of their income on food - whether in restaurants or eating at home. This is a special attention and businesses are paying attention Particular with the way we choose to eat and drink. "

What does it mean to eat sustainably?

"Sustainable eating is aware of eating. This means making a conscious choice of learning more about the food you enjoy and culture, which pushes it, the treatment of workers involved in the process and the health of our soil and Our animals, "Miller explains. "It connects a lasting diet to all food movements, both as partners in education and action. The more we learn about food production, the more our individual considerations and choices can go. As you will learn More about large-scale agricultural interest you can choose. Support local farmers, breeders or fishermen. All Internet users and ate more consciously are a great way to learn other problems. "

Why should we all strive to eat more sustainably?

"We can all pay more attention to what we buy and we eat. Food is a big gateway to other cultures and another kitchen. It's also a great way to try new flavors and new products. To eat more durable consists of deepening on your plate and how it happened there. In 2018, we spent nearly $ 2,000 billion and if we can direct spending Producers and companies that produce food positively to the environment and communities, think about the power we need to impact climate change, human slavery, inhuman animal practices, and more. "Said Miller.

What are the ways to eat and cook more durably?

The food choices of each are personal and the trip of each person will therefore be different. But eat more durably can be achieved with incremental changes to our daily dietary habits. Here are some actuating tips on how to start eating and cooking more sustainably.

"The first and simplest you can do is pay more attention to what you eat," says Miller. Whether in a restaurant or a grocery store, just ask where something has been produced or who did it, will help make better informed decisions.

For Cunels at home, Miller recommends using as many of your ingredients as possible. Left with spare broccoli stems or too ripe lawyers? Try to ride with creative ways to incorporate these remains of food and similar food teeth into your kitchen.

Even the smallest apartment can house a grass garden, according to Miller. The herbal kits and gardens to be done if they can help save money while providing your kitchen with fresh herbs and you with inflating rights to have grown up your own products.

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"Locally produced food creates important economic opportunities in our communities," said Miller. "Some studies show that 32 new jobs are produced with only one million local food sales. Food produced locally also has a smaller carbon footprint because it travels shorter distances to go to your plate. So, search for first the local producers. And if you can not buy it locally, then look around for producers in your state, then in your area. You will be able to find a lot of what you need more close to you. "

Every year, the average American family was wasting more than $ 1,600 by buying foods found in the trash. "A way to avoid these losses is to plan your meals," she advises. "Shop more frequently and get only what you need for recipes and meals you do."

When you try to understand the best choices, Miller suggests trusting experts and science: "The Fair Trade USA, the Board of Maritime Stewardship (MSC), certified organic and human certified are all large labels to look for on the food products of the grocery store. Roc-United and the Smart Capture of the James Beard Foundation are two programs to search for restaurants. Each of these organizations will help you find products and places that support sustainability initiatives. "

"Farmers and fishermen are people growing up, elevating and catching our food," says Miller. "Getting to know that these men and women are perfect for your community. In addition, buying your food producers directly returned to them more profit than when you buy indirectly through a grocery store."

According toAmerican environmental protection agencyDischarges account for 34% of country's methane emissions. "If you can, the compost," says Miller. "You will start to reduce your environmental impact and feed the gardens and farms." In addition, you will prevent the remains of adding to our carbon footprint.

"Plant-based schemes are a great way to eat more sustainably," says Miller. "If you eat meat and fish, make sure they are better sources. But above all, eat actual foods and not of those who are massively treated. The energy and resources that enter food Highly transformed sometimes mean that they sometimes have a bigger carbon footprint than natural alternatives. "

"If you find an excellent restaurant that shows sustainable seafood options, let them know that you support their work," suggests Miller. "Share your support on social media. Tell your friends. In America, we spend nearly $ 2,000 billion on food; If consumers support more options respectful of the planet, companies will respond. "