Food is a fundamental part of life, a source of nourishment, and a very joyful social experience. Food can remind us of home, for me it is my moms cooking (that I miss very much in college). But have you ever stopped to consider the connection between what is on your plate and the health of our planet? For a long time I felt a disconnect from my food, I LOVE food but I always felt a need to educate myself about the impact it has on the planet. That’s when I discovered the non-profit “Eat for the Earth” and it truly shifted my perspective. I will now share what I have learned and how you can apply it to your kitchen as well.
What “Eat for the Earth” Does:
“Eat for the Earth” works to make sustainable eating accessible for everyone. They don’t just focus on individual people, they work with larger institutes like governments, schools, and corporations to adopt climate-friendly food initiatives. Through online cooking classes and in-person connections they empower and educate people to make healthier and more conscious decisions in their food choices. One amazing opportunity they offer that really caught my eye was their nutrition classes. Instead of speaking to speak about health and sustainability they offer cooking classes where you learn how to apply healthy and sustainable cooking to your kitchen.
Sustainable Eating Tips Inspired by “Eat for the Earth”:
While “Eat for the Earth” focuses on broader change, the core principles of sustainable eating are something we can all integrate into our lives. Here is what I have been doing and you can do too:
- Embracing Plant-Based Eating and Being Mindful of Animal Production: By this I mean prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant based protein like tofu and beans. My go-to dinner right now is a teriyaki bowl with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, rice, fried tofu and teriyaki sauce. Animal agriculture can have a significant environmental footprint and you might just be surprised how incorporating one or two meatless meals into your week can be!!
- Prioritize Local and Seasonal: Eating locally sourced, seasonal produce reduces transportation emissions and supports local economies. I love visiting the Eugene Saturday Market and discovering new vegetables I’ve never tried before. Find your local farmers’ market! It’s a fantastic way to discover new ingredients, support your community, and eat food that’s at its peak flavor and nutritional value.
- Choose Sustainable Products: Paying attention to food labels and certifications can help you make more environmentally conscious choices. I now take a few extra moments in the grocery store to look for certifications like organic and Fair Trade. Understanding what those labels mean can empower you to make choices that are better for the planet and for people.
Take a step with me:
- Explore the “Eat for the Earth” website (https://www.eatfortheearth.org/) to learn more about their work and how you can get involved.
- Choose one small change inspired by the tips above that you can implement this week.
- Share your own experiences and discoveries with family and friends, you may just help them find their new favorite plant-based meal!
Let’s work together to create a more sustainable and equitable food system, starting with what’s on our plates.
slow growth 