Following our annual holiday overindulgence, many of us have set ambitious goals for the year ahead. But eating healthy shouldn’t just mean cutting down on snacks; given the , a more sustainable diet should feature high on everyone’s list of New Year’s resolutions.
Australians have one of the largest , so there’s definitely room for improvement. But, as with all diets, radical and sudden changes like going vegan or vegetarian are .
Smaller, more achievable are more realistic. This also makes sense from an environmental perspective – large-scale drastic changes .
This guide is about making informed, feasible changes towards a more environmentally sustainable diet. It starts with the food items you put in your shopping basket.
By picking carefully, you can get more out of your shopping basket and eat well, too. Source: Getty Images
Meat, junk and waste
Sustainability researchers, like myself, track the from farm to fork, measuring the energy used and emissions generated by the entire process.
Australia’s food consumption contributes significantly to , , , and .
There are many reasons our diets have such a large environmental impact, but one of the biggest is that we’re a nation of meat eaters. On average, an Aussie eats 95kg of meat a year, significantly more than the of 69kg.
Generally, animal-derived foods require . This is particularly true for red meat: .
On average, an Aussie eats 95kg of meat a year, significantly more than the OECD average of 69kg.
Another reason is our . Eating more food than we need means the environmental resources used in producing that extra food are wasted. It also leads to a .
Finally, the in Australia – – also has a major impact.
Vegetables require less resources and release significantly less emissions than meat. Source: Getty Images / Hinterhaus Productions
What is realistic dietary change?
Sustainable dietary choices aren’t just about environmental impact – it also means being realistic and consistent. Only 11 per cent of Australians are , so expecting a majority to drastically reduce meat consumption is impractical, and probably alienating.
An added complication is that most Australian cows are raised on pasture, which has a high carbon footprint but than growing many plant foods. So, the complete substitution of red meat or dairy with plant-based products could simply change one environmental impact for another.
What type of meat you eat can make a big difference to the environment. Source: K-ROO
Putting it all together – simple shopping advice
Moderation: Cutting out staples of the Australian diet, like meat, is not a realistic goal for many people. But try moderating your meat that has the highest environmental impact (beef and lamb) and instead go for chicken or pork.
Reducing junk food is good for your wallet, waist and the environment. Processed meats or dairy-based desserts have the , so when the urge to indulge hits, go for fruit-only desserts such as sorbets. Or just buy more fruit to freeze and turn into delicious and healthy smoothies that you can enjoy even more regularly. (Grapes are very high in sugar, and when frozen are great summer treats.)
Substitution: Think about your favourite recipes, and how you can swap out the most resource-greedy ingredients. Some meats can be replaced with alternative sources of protein such as legumes and nuts.
Sustainably farmed or sourced seafood is another protein alternative with a lower environmental footprint compared to meat, as long as you – for canned tuna make sure ! Seasonal produce usually requires fewer resources and needs to travel less to the store, so it’s worth checking a guide to .
Instead of meat, try ingredients with a smaller carbon footprint (like nuts). Source: shattha pilabut via Pexels
Complex packaging of many food products, which is often unnecessary, . Opt for loose fruit and vegetables and take your own shopping bags.
Experimentation: When you do buy meat, opt for novel protein sources such as game meat – we are lucky to have an abundance of . If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you could also .
This guide is a starting point for thinking about a more sustainable diet, but food systems are . Animal welfare and the viability of farming communities are just part of the social and economic issues we much deal with.
Ultimately, while consumers can drive change, this will be incremental: transformative change can only be achieved by food producers and retailers also coming on board to drive a more sustainable food system.
, Research fellow, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment,
Food for thought
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