Climate change is very much visible now, in the form of erratic weather patterns, pollution, and diseases. There have been well-researched ideas to slow down climate change, and the most closely related measure is to control our food habits.
How our food habits affect climate change is a question that might be pondered in one’s head. The melting of glaciers, brimming pollution, and rampant deaths due to heat stroke are directly related to our eating habits, which contribute to the carbon footprint in the world.
Here are a few methods by which we can contribute to controlling climate change:
Embracing Plant-Based Diet
A plant-based diet reduces carbon emissions and helps in the renewal of the environment. Having less meat and more of a vegetarian diet such as legumes, green leafy vegetables, and fruits, will not only improve your health but the depleting condition of the environment as well. As meat requires animal husbandry, which adds to the food chain, it emits more carbon, leading to climate change.
Homemade Food
Consuming homemade food with minimal ingredients can eliminate the plastic that comes with the food ordered from outside. There are numerous ill effects of fast food, which include vegetable oil and excessive spices. By reducing the consumption from roadside eateries and restaurants, you will not only improve your health and the environment’s health but also save some money.
Local and Seasonal Foods
Locally grown and seasonal foods reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. It also supports small-scale and marginal farmers, strengthening the availability of indigenous varieties.
Cooking in Small Quantities
To reduce the effects of climate change, you should cook only as much quantity as you can eat. Extra food that goes into the dustbin goes to large landfills, producing harmful greenhouse gas emissions such as methane. These emissions affect humans and animals alike.
The dream of reducing climate change can only be achieved through collective efforts put forth by the eight billion people of the world. These small steps may result in a big change toward the regeneration of the climate and biodiversity at large.
