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Sustainable Food Choices
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Flashcards
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Bottled Water
Plastic waste and high transportation emissions. Use refillable water bottles with tap or filtered water when possible.
Beef
High environmental footprint due to methane emissions, land and water usage. Opt for less carbon-intensive meats or plant-based alternatives.
Seafood
Overfishing and destructive fishing methods damage ecosystems. Opt for sustainably sourced seafood with eco-certifications.
Dairy
Similar to beef, dairy production has high water and carbon footprints. Opt for low-impact dairy or plant-based milk alternatives.
Processed Foods
Energy-intensive production and significant packaging waste. Choose whole foods and foods with less packaging.
Herbs and Spices
Generally low impact, but some have high water usage or are overharvested. Choose locally grown herbs and sustainable brands.
Soy
Can cause deforestation if not sustainably sourced. Choose products certified by the Roundtable on Responsible Soy or other sustainability standards.
Tea
Can lead to deforestation and habitat loss; labor issues are also a concern. Choose fair trade, organic, or sustainably harvested tea.
Air-Freighted Food
Very high carbon footprint due to energy use in transportation. Limit consumption of air-freighted foods, opt for local and seasonal produce.
Sugarcane
Causes soil degradation and water pollution if not managed sustainably. Opt for alternatives like stevia or products with sustainability certifications.
Organic Foods
Reduced chemical use can benefit ecosystems and biodiversity; may use more land. Choose organic when possible, and prioritize high-impact items.
Wine
Vineyard management can impact local ecosystems and water resources. Choose organic, biodynamic, or wines with eco-friendly certifications.
Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)
Can reduce pesticide use and increase yield, but effects on biodiversity are debated. Inform yourself about GMO practices and choose based on individual cases.
Eggs
Impact varies based on production practices. Choose free-range or organic eggs and consider local sources to reduce transportation emissions.
Coffee
Deforestation, water use, and fair trade issues. Choose shade-grown, organic, and fair trade options.
Fast Food
Often high in resource-intensive meat and packaging waste. Opt for options with sustainable practices and minimal packaging.
Rice
Water-intensive and can produce methane emissions when flooded. Choose sustainably produced rice and consider reducing consumption.
Nuts and Seeds
Generally sustainable, though some like almonds can be water-intensive. Choose a variety of nuts and opt for water-efficient practices when possible.
Plant-Based Diets
Generally lower in environmental impact compared to meat-based diets. Focus on whole foods and minimize processed plant-based substitutes.
Palm Oil
Deforestation and habitat loss, especially in tropical regions. Use products with sustainable palm oil certifications or palm oil-free options.
Chocolate
Deforestation, especially in West Africa, and labor issues. Choose fair trade and sustainably sourced chocolate.
Vegetables
Lower impact than meat; some require more resources, like water-intensive crops. Choose a variety of local and seasonal vegetables.
Tropical Fruits
High carbon footprint when transported from distant regions. Choose local equivalents when possible and consider the seasonality.
Locally Sourced Produce
Lower transportation emissions, supports local economy, and often fresher. Choose local markets and in-season foods.
Legumes
Low environmental impact, improve soil health, and are nitrogen-fixing. Incorporate a variety of legumes into your diet as an alternative protein source.
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