Ways to make food consumption more sustainable

​By Ivan Chen

Food is a major source of waste. Being more mindful and sustainable with food is important in reducing our carbon footprint. (Credit: JerzyGórecki/Pixabay)

​Food has a big impact on the planet, from the way it’s grown to how it’s transported and disposed of. However, there are many ways to make more sustainable food choices. Here are some steps that can help you reduce waste and make your meals more eco-friendly.

1. Buy food locally

Buying directly from local growers at farmers’ markets reduces the distance that food needs to travel and the emissions associated with it. Many goods from farmers’ markets also use minimal packaging. Markets in Toronto, like at St. Lawrence Market North, Dufferin Grove and Evergreen Brick Works, are great options for local shopping.

2. Use your own cups, utensils and containers

Single-use plastics continue to be a major waste problem. Bring your own jars, containers and bags when grocery shopping or eating out, and use a reusable cup when ordering takeout drinks. If you have your own utensils, you can politely decline those disposable ones that often come with your takeout order. 
Bulk stores are also a great resource for stocking up on cooking essentials, and some, like Bulk Barn, even offer discounts when you bring your own containers. Skipping single-use plastics and using your own items can make a difference over time. 

3. Plan meals

Meal planning isn’t just good for your wallet; it’s also a great tool against food waste. By mapping out the week’s meals and buying only what you need, you avoid making impulsive purchases and ensure that ingredients are used up before they spoil. Similarly, check labels or research the best tips to properly store items. This further ensures food is preserved longer, which can reduce waste.

4. Rethink food scraps

Most people are quick to toss out food parts they believe are not usable, like broccoli stems, corn cobs and peels from fruits and vegetables. Review the food scraps you usually throw away, do some research and try to consider how they can be used. Perhaps vegetable peels could be baked into snackable chips, while corn cobs could be added to vegetable stock. Food scraps still tend to have nutrients in them, so using them helps make the most out of every ingredient.

5. Compost your food

Whenever food has to be discarded, make sure it goes in a compost or organics bin and not the garbage. Food that is thrown in the garbage and enters landfills produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, as it breaks down. Composting keeps more food out of landfills, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and essentially recycles food and its nutrients back into soil. Whether that be in your backyard or through municipal collection, composting is an effective, sustainable habit to build.

6. Look for sustainable certifications

Not all food is produced the same. The production process for some foods may follow strict environmental and labour guidelines, while others may not. Labels like those from Ocean Wise, Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade can help identify products that were made following more sustainable and ethical practices. Learning about these certifications can help you make better-informed decisions at the grocery store.

Eating sustainably is an important step in protecting the planet. Each container that’s reused, meal that’s planned and ingredient that’s repurposed is a small step towards a healthier world.

Edited by Jess Blackwell