fact-vs-fiction-busting-eco-friendly-food-myths

Eating food that's good for you and the planet can be confusing. So many labels, such as "organic," "GMO-free," and "100% natural," claim to be eco-friendly, but it's hard to know if they are. 

 

The environmental impact of food is complex. It's not just about how it's produced but also about how much energy and resources are used, how far it travels, and how much waste it creates.

 

But the basics of a healthy and planet-friendly diet are pretty clear. People should eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds and cut back on red meat, sugary foods, and refined grains.

 

Unfortunately, many of us don't eat this way, and there are many reasons. It's not just about personal choices - things like money, politics, and society all play a role.

 

People must understand what makes food choices better for the planet. This means breaking down the barriers that stop people from eating more sustainably.

 

Here are five common food myths that need to be busted: 

 

Myth 1: "Meat's eco-footprint is exaggerated" 

 

Many people don't realise how much the food we eat affects the environment. 

 

Producing meat, eggs, and dairy creates pollution and uses up a lot of resources. Eating less animal-based foods, especially beef, can make a big difference. 

 

Some people think that driving less or using less electricity is the best way to help the environment, but cutting down on meat and eating more plant-based foods can have an even bigger impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

 

So, by switching to a more plant-based diet, we can help the environment and make the world more sustainable.

 

Myth 2: "Organic and local always equals sustainable" 

 

When we think about sustainability, we often believe buying organic and locally-grown food is the best choice. We assume that it cuts down on chemicals and reduces emissions from transportation, which is true in many cases.

 

But it's not that simple. For instance, growing organic tomatoes in open fields can have a bigger environmental impact because it requires more fuel and machinery.

 

Similarly, tomatoes grown in local heated greenhouses might not be as good for the environment as those grown in distant unheated greenhouses because they use more energy.

 

When we think that buying organic meat from a local butcher makes a big difference for the environment, we might be mistaken. In reality, the environmental benefits of organic and local meat are not as significant as simply choosing to eat more plant-based foods.

 

Myth 3: "What is natural is good" 

 

Many people tend to believe that natural things are always better. That's why foods without preservatives, additives, or artificial ingredients are often seen as healthier. However, it's important to think carefully about this. 

 

For example, many people are concerned about genetically modified (GM) crops because they think changing things at the genetic level must be bad for us and the environment.

 

However, some GM crops can help us farm more sustainably by producing more food, using fewer pesticides, and using resources more efficiently. Instead of just assuming that new kinds of food are bad because they seem unnatural, it's important to look at their real environmental impact.

 

Myth 4: "Good for me, good for the planet" 

 

When it comes to healthy foods, we often assume they are good for the environment, too. But that's not always the case. Even though strawberries are nutritious, their impact on the environment can vary depending on how and where they are grown.

 

Eating more plant-based foods is better for the environment but may not always provide the same nutrients as animal foods. For instance, plant-based foods may not have all the essential amino acids our bodies need.

 

People need to consider the nutrients in their food and how it's grown to eat in a way that's good for their health and the planet.

 

Myth 5: "Conserving the planet requires breaking the budget" 

 

Many people think that eating in an environmentally friendly way is too expensive. However, studies show that more sustainable diets are cheaper than the typical Western diet.

 

In wealthy countries, diets that are mainly plant-based are the most affordable. People who go vegan or vegetarian can cut their food costs by up to one-third. Those who eat less meat, known as flexitarians, can save 14 per cent on food bills.

 

However, the actual costs can be different in each country. In poorer countries, where people mainly eat inexpensive staple foods like rice and corn, adding more fruits, veggies, nuts, and beans might not be affordable.

 

Even in wealthier countries, low-income families living in areas without easy access to fresh produce might have trouble eating healthily.

 

Besides changing how we eat, governments and other organisations must help make healthier and environmentally friendly diets affordable and available to everyone.