Ljubljana, 8. 6. 2023
Sustainable approach, sustainable practices,
sustainable eating, sustainable shopping, sustainable thinking... It is safe to
say that in recent years the word sustainability has permeated every pore of
our lives. And rightly so, because the need for change is clear and we need to
make it happen: as a society and as individuals.
The concept of sustainability, in its broadest sense,
defines a way of living and managing natural resources in a way that ensures
their use for future generations. To put it another way, sustainability means
meeting our own needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of
future generations.
Sustainable food practices are one of
the key elements of sustainability
Food production and food choices have a significant impact
on the environment. The world's population is growing and, as a consequence,
the consumption of natural resources is also increasing. The consequences are
increasingly reflected in adverse climate change, biodiversity loss and
numerous environmental problems.
Sustainable food practices focus on three aspects of
sustainability: economic, environmental and social.
The economic aspect of sustainability refers to
the economical use of natural resources and the profitability of food
producers. It is important that food is produced and consumed in a way that is
sustainable in the long term and allows food producers to be economically
profitable.
The environmental aspect of food sustainability
focuses on environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.
Food should be produced and consumed in a way that minimises negative
environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, loss of land and
biodiversity, air and water pollution.
The social aspect of food sustainability
refers to ensuring access to food for all people, ensuring fair wages and
working conditions in agriculture and food, and promoting healthy and balanced
diets.
For sustainable food practices, it is vital that food
is consumed in a way that ensures fair wages and working conditions in the food
industry and that food is accessible to all people, regardless of their social
and economic status. In addition, sustainable food practices promote healthy
eating habits that have positive effects on human and environmental health.
Every individual contributes to change for the better,
which is why we have put together some simple guidelines that can easily be
turned into our daily habits.
1. Meat should not be eaten every day: Meat
production results in extensive greenhouse gas emissions and consumes a lot of
water and feed. What is more, reducing meat consumption and increasing the
consumption of vegetables, fruit and legumes also has health benefits.
2. Choose locally and seasonally produced food:Buying food that is grown near you reduces the need for transport and thus
greenhouse gas emissions. You are also supporting local farms and economies.
3. Choose organically produced food whenever
possible: Organically produced food is free from harmful pesticides and
artificial fertilisers, which is healthier for you and the environment.
4. Don't waste food: Make sure less food is
thrown away. Use leftover food to make new dishes. If you have prepared too
much, freeze the leftovers and store them for later use.
5. Reduce packaging: Buy food that is not
packaged in unnecessary plastic or other packaging. This will help to reduce
waste and therefore the burden on the environment.
6. Prepare your own food: Prepare your own food
and avoid ready meals that are high in additives and preservatives.
7. Grow a vegetable garden: Try growing some
vegetables in your garden or on your balcony. This way you can enjoy fresh and
locally grown food and reduce your dependence on industrially produced food.
8. Choose sustainable modes of transport: If
you want to buy food at the grocery store or at the farm, walk, cycle or take
public transport. This will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help you
stay healthy.
Making smart dietary choices today
can make a big difference in changing our attitudes towards the environment,
society and ourselves. This is our commitment to a better tomorrow.
SIGN THE COMMON-SENSITARIAN DIET MANIFESTO
SOURCES:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Sustainable food systems Concept and
framework: https://www.fao.org/3/ca2079en/CA2079EN.pdf
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Changes in
terms of risks/benefits of shifting diets towards healthier and more
sustainable dietary models: https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2022.e200904