In today’s rapidly changing world, the urgency to adopt earth friendly meals has never been more critical. As consumers become more aware of their environmental footprint, the food industry is evolving to meet the demand for sustainable options. From farm to table, every step in the food production process is being re-evaluated to ensure it aligns with environmental goals. But what exactly makes a meal “earth friendly,” and how can we incorporate these principles into our daily lives? Learn what makes food climate-friendly.
The Essentials of Earth Friendly Meals
An earth friendly meal is one that minimizes environmental impact, promotes sustainability, and supports the health of both the planet and its inhabitants. The key elements of such meals include plant-based ingredients, locally sourced produce, and upcycled foods. These components reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, and promote biodiversity, making them essential in the fight against climate change.
Plant-based meals are central to this approach. By choosing plant-based options, we reduce our reliance on resource-intensive animal agriculture, which is a significant contributor to global warming. Additionally, opting for locally sourced produce ensures that the food on our plates has traveled fewer miles, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Why Upcycled Foods Matter
Another critical aspect of earth friendly meals is the inclusion of upcycled foods. Upcycling involves taking surplus or by-product food and transforming it into new, high-quality products. This practice not only reduces food waste but also maximizes the use of resources, making our food system more efficient and sustainable.
Incorporating upcycled foods into our diets is a simple yet effective way to contribute to a more sustainable future. By supporting brands and products that prioritize upcycling, consumers can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying unique and nutritious meals.
Consider Supper Clubs with friends & family
These events are great for nudging family and friends towards plant- and climate-friendly meal experiences. The mini-talks from suppliers in between courses provide insights into why they do what they do. Zestyplan, FulCircle, and The Depanneur are great Toronto based examples or sign up for our newsletter for upcoming sustainable supperclubs.
Furthermore, consider Earth Friendly Caterers for your next event.
The Role of Sustainable Procurement in Public Institutions
To truly address the climate crisis, it’s crucial for public institutions like municipalities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and schools to adopt Sustainable Procurement policies that prioritize plant-based and upcycled foods. These policies should ensure that 90% of the menu consists of plant-based and upcycled options, which would significantly reduce the environmental footprint of these institutions.
Moreover, to encourage the widespread adoption of plant-based options, subsidies should be introduced to make plant-based milks as affordable as their dairy counterparts. Consider the relatable experience of walking into most coffee shops today—when you ask for oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk instead of dairy, you’re often charged a premium. This added cost can deter people from making environmentally friendly choices, despite their best intentions. By introducing subsidies similar to those that support the dairy industry, we could normalize the pricing of plant-based milks, making it easier for consumers to choose sustainable options without financial penalties.
In July 2024, VegTO, Plant Based Treaty and Spent Goods made a deposition at City of Toronto’s exploration of climate friendly meals procurement. I was truly surprised to learn that an earth friendly procurement isn’t in place, let alone a general food procurement policy to advocate for healthier food (they used to but Food Policy group was disbanded a few years ago but has a diverse supplier procurement). We’d love to learn more, so please contact us if you have any leads.
City of Toronto report on food related GHGs (2022 and Q1-Q3 2023) prepared by Close the Loop outlines the City’s commitment to reducing food-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 25% by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, as part of the Cool Food Pledge (CFP). The analysis covers food procurement data and GHG emissions for key divisions including Children Services (CS), Toronto Shelter Support Services (TSSS), and Seniors Services and Long-Term Care (SSLTC).
Key insights include:
- The City purchased 3,207 tonnes of food in 2022, generating 43,905 tCO2e, a 3.6% reduction from the 2019 baseline.
- Beef, although only 3% of food by weight, accounted for 48% of food-related GHG emissions.
- Several beef reduction options, including plant-based replacements, were analyzed to meet the 2030 target without compromising protein intake.
The report emphasizes the need for significant reductions in beef consumption and the integration of plant-based proteins.
By advocating for these changes, we can create a food system that not only supports the health of the planet but also promotes diversity in local suppliers, ensuring that public institutions lead by example in the fight against climate change.