What we choose to eat each day not only affects our health and wellbeing, but has a huge impact on the health of our planet. Agriculture produces around a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE).
The carbon footprint can vary greatly between different types of foods. Meat production, in particular beef and lamb, have the greatest emission levels of all foods. Beef’s GHGE per kilogram is around 10 times that of chicken and 20 times that of legumes, nuts and seeds.
Changing the way we eat, even just moderately, by moving towards a more climate-friendly diet can play an important part in helping stop climate change and improve our health.
What is a climatarian diet?
The main principle behind a climatarian diet is choosing foods based on their carbon footprint. This carbon-conscious way of eating involves thinking about where your food comes from and what impact it has on the Earth. A climatarian diet includes eating more unprocessed plant-based foods, reducing meat and dairy consumption (particularly beef and lamb) and reducing ultra-processed foods such as junk foods, vegetable oils and animal products. Put simply, it’s a balanced and healthy way of eating that focuses more on plant-based foods and less on animal products.
A climatarian diet also focuses on locally sourced, in-season produce. Shopping at your local market and greengrocers will help reduce emissions associated with transporting food across the country or world. Reducing food waste and plastic-packaged goods is also an important element of the climatarian diet.
This story is from the WellBeing #196 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the WellBeing #196 edition of WellBeing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Avoid the Beauty Hype
Save money, improve your health and contribute to environmental sustainability by creating your own beauty products at home.
Fill your life with delicious scents
Fill your garden with scents and enjoy the sense of tranquillity and quiet joy that comes with them.
Protein - the building blocks of beauty
Chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb and organ meats such as pâté are all rich sources of high-quality protein.
Skincare that really cares
We put Sanctum's most popular products to the test and see why they're loved and adored by all.
Chelsea Pottenger - CARING FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Chelsea Pottenger, a mother, ambassador, keynote speaker and the founder and director of EQ Minds, is dedicated to reshaping the corporate landscape of mental health.
Green Beat
All the latest in environmental issues
Community-based prepping
Is the future going to look like it does at the present? Or might there be unexpected challenges? The answer is that challenges are likely and if not now, then soon. The real question becomes how we will respond to that disruption and achieve sustainable positive outcomes as a result.
Rest, roll and recover
Your body requires proper care and attention to function at its best. Just as you fuel your body with nutritious food, you must also provide it with adequate rest and recovery to maintain optimal health.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STILLNESS
In a busy world we say, \"Who has time for stillness?\" But the question should be: \"What are we really missing out on by not prioritising silent and soulful solitude?\"
Cucumbers
Cucumbers hydrate you and have potential antidiabetic, lipid lowering and antioxidant activity.