We’ve increasingly seen environmental sustainability in news headlines, as governments around the world seek to address the problems of the changing climate. As a result, we are all now more aware of how various aspects of our societies can have a negative effect on the ecosystem. But it is not just factories and vehicles pumping out pollutants into the atmosphere that are damaging the environment – modern food systems and indeed the actual food we eat are also important factors.
Striking a balanceWith these things in mind, it is important that we try to ensure that our population’s health and the state of the environment can be balanced. I passionately believe in creating healthy and sustainable diets and food systems that will benefit ourselves and the planet. We should aim to support healthy, sustainable diets that meets both the needs of the environment and good nutritional health.
What can we do?
Very often people feel that whatever they do to be more sustainable, it is only a drop in the ocean compared with the wider scheme of things. However, we can all do things in our everyday lives that will help.
Furthermore, genetically modified crops, organically grown crops, meat alternatives and animal fat replacements are all currently being researched to see if they could be important parts of our future diets.
At the same time, the case should be made to the public for changing our diets to help protect the world and its inhabitants, while remaining mindful of culture and traditions. For example, genetically modified produce and insect-based food stuffs have generally not been well-received in the press, despite positive arguments for their environmental importance.
While the science may point one way, it’s not enough on its own. Winning ‘hearts and minds’ may be just as important in the coming years as the research itself.
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