6 of the Most Environmentally Friendly Foods
Recently, the news is saturated with the information that meat farming is unsustainable, fish stocks are becoming depleted, and even many plant crops, such as soy and almonds, are bad for the environment. With all this information, it’s hard to know what you can eat without harming the planet. But these 6 foods are some of the most sustainable out there, so you can munch away guilt-free.
1. Lentils
A staple of Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, lentils are a great source of fiber and protein. They are delicious in curries, stews, pastas, and pretty much anything. They also have a very low carbon footprint (about 40 times lower than beef), require very little water to grow, and fortify and clean the soil. On top of that, they are cheap. If lentils are not yet a big part of your diet, it’s time to start trying some recipes.
2. Beans
As I am sure you know, there are many different kinds of beans, but what most of them have in common is that they have a low carbon footprint and are a great source of protein and nutrients. One exception is soybeans, which are linked to deforestation in Latin America. But most beans are low on water and do not produce much carbon dioxide. Next time you eat tacos, chili or stew, consider using beans instead of a meat product.
3. Tomatoes
Great news for those who love Italian food (or ketchup!), tomatoes, when sourced locally, produce only 1.1 kg of CO2 for every kg consumed. Due to their deep root system, they also don’t require that much water. Just remember to focus on seasonal consumption and try not to buy imported tomatoes. Even ignoring the environmental impact, the difference in taste and quality is undeniable.
4. Green Peas
Containing both protein and carbohydrates, green peas are healthy, delicious, and eco-friendly, plus they easy to snack n when you visit website. Their remarkable ability to fix nitrogen into the soil eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizer and leaves the soil rich in nutrients for future crops. They are a wonderfully sustainable crop and are delicious on their own or in a curry, bake or anything you like.
5. Mussels
If you can’t give up seafood, the most sustainable kind you can eat is probably mussels. They are farmed along long collector ropes that hang in the ocean, and they eat food that naturally occurs in the water. As they feed, they filter the water and extract carbon to make their shells. Therefore, not only are they easy to farm sustainably and don’t add any harmful chemicals into the sea, but they actually help clean the water. So next time you find yourself craving seafood, go for mussels, clams, or other bivalves.
6. Broccoli
When it comes to vegetables and fruits, most of the greenhouse gases produced come from pesticides and fertilizers. Therefore, it’s great to eat cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and brussels sprouts, as these contain natural pesticides. Broccoli in particular is especially low on carbon production. And with the wide array of vitamins and minerals that it provides, broccoli is something of a superfood.