Earth-Friendly Diet Resolutions

Too many of us have become Eco-Zombies… careless about the relationship between the health of the planet and the health of our own bodies and minds. From farm to fork, the way food is grown, processed, and distributed affects not only its quality and variety, but also impacts our health and the sustainability of Mother Earth. That’s why a lot of people who are concerned about both the size of their waist and recent extremes in climate change are making Earth-friendly diet resolutions.

A useful starting point for understanding the relationship between the environment and your health is “planetary boundaries,” or tipping points in our planet’s natural air, land, and water systems. Recently, a team of 28 internationally renowned scientists identified these boundaries and related changes in natural systems, such as air quality, biodiversity, and land use.

Breaches to these boundaries and the altered environmental trajectories could result in rapid, irreversible changes that threaten the conditions under which humanity can thrive on Earth. According to the scientists, 3 of the 9 planetary boundaries have already been crossed: climate change, biodiversity, and the global nitrogen cycle.

The direct and indirect effects are seen in loss of biodiversity; soil, air and water pollution; polar ice melting; rising sea levels; ocean acidification; species endangerment and alterations in habitats; and inadequate development of water and land resources to meet food and energy needs. These changes have inexorable effects on human health, including increases in food and waterborne disease; disease carried by wildlife (e.g., Lyme, West Nile, Ebola), malnutrition, and rising rates of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, and diabetes.

Our reliance on factory farms- a.k.a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations or CAFOs- is a big contributor to environmental rifts and the degradation of health. Most meat, poultry, eggs and dairy sold in the U.S. come from CAFOs, a major driver of deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change. To prevent disease and promote faster growth, these animals are given hormones and antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem. Animal feed consists largely of subsidized Genetically Modified (GMO) grains grown with toxic pesticides and fertilizer, which end up in the water supply and on our produce.

“Grass-fed” beef may be more humane for animals but even the most humane farming practices wreak havoc on ecosystems. We have to feed billions of people, too many of whom consume too much of any kind of meat.

Fish aren’t off the hook, either. Over-fishing has depleted many marine species and degraded marine ecosystems. Fish farms face similar problems to CFAOs. When it comes to reducing the negative impact food production on the planet, reducing seafood consumption is part of the equation. If you need any convincing or want to educated yourself on what is actually happening with our marine life, watch the documentary, End of the Line.

Every day, you have three chances to choose a healthy, Earth-friendly diet consisting of more fruits, veggies, and legumes and no (or less and more carefully chosen) meat, dairy, eggs, and fish. In turn, you’ll create a healthier future for yourself and Mother Earth.

GROW YOUR FOOD

Growing food helps save money, reduce the environmental cost of factory farming, and gives the whole family an “agri-education.” Use organic soil, compost, and practice conservation-friendly watering to help your garden grow. If you don’t have a lot of land, opt for a Tower Garden or something similar. If permitted, look into community or roof-top gardens. There are options to get involved and start growing your own food.

EAT ORGANIC, SEASONALLY & LOCALLY

Choose organic and in-season foods from local farms (Community Supported Agriculture- CSA) to support your local economy. Eating in season decreases your chances of developing food sensitivities. We are not meant to eat the same thing every day.

Go Meatless on Mondays. Just 1 day a week, try replacing meat-based recipes with savory vegetarian options. If possible, limit meat consumption to 2-3 times per week. You don’t need to eat animal protein with every meal to get your daily requirements of protein. In our society, we are over consuming protein which is highly acidic to the body. Dark leafy greens are alkalizing to the body. We have been highly misinformed to think that we need animal protein with every meal.

Fish with Care. Like beef, farm raised fish also contain chemicals that affect our health and the environment.  Choose locally caught, sustainably raised fish like tilapia, catfish or carp or “lower food chain” seafood including squid, clams or mussels.

Start a Farm-to-School Program. Talk with local public schools about partnering with CSA farms and serving vegetarian options to students. Get as much local organic produce in kids schools as possible. Healthy habits start young. Eating organic nutrient dense foods positively impacts both health and learning.

Support GMO Labeling.  The only way to know if a food has been genetically manipulated is for labels to indicate products are GMO- free. When it comes to your inbox, sign petitions for GMO labeling laws. The U.S. is one of the few countries left that continues to permit GMO food. If a label reads anything “modified” then high changes it is GMO. Corn and soy ingredients are likely to be GMO, unless stated otherwise.

REFERENCES

• “The Nine Planetary Boundaries.” Stockholm Resilience Center: Sustainability Science for Biosphere Stewardship.
• Berger, John J. Climate Peril:  The Intelligent Reader’s Guide to Understanding the Climate Crisis. (2014) Northbrae Books.
• The Diet-Climate Connection: How the Foods We Eat Affect the Planet We Inhabit. HumanKind.org Programs.
• Neff, Roni. “Food Matters: How What We Eat Affects Our Health and the Health of the Planet.” Imagine. (Jan/Feb 2009), 18-21.
• Eat Green:  Our Everyday Food Choices Affect Global Warming and the Environment. National Defense Resource Council. Accessed on November 12, 2015.
• Watson, Robert T. Mapping the Health of Our Planet.
• How Eating Meat Hurts Wildlife and the Planet. Take Extinction Off Your Plate.
• Find a CSA Farm in Your Area
• Health Impacts of Meat-laden Diets. Friends of the Earth.
• Healthy Eating, Healthy Planet. ReadWorks.org (2013). Accessed November 13, 2015.
• GMO Education, Resources:  Health Risks, Labeling, Non-GMO Shopping Guide
• Meat Free Monday. Launched by Paul McCartney.
• Call the Fish Phone for instant suggestions texted to your phone.
• Safe Seafood Guide. Monterey Bay Aquarium.
• Support for Transparency in Food Labeling Laws
• Freudberg, David & Buck, Tony. Climate-friendly Food Guide. HumanKindMedia.org. Accessed on November 13, 2015.
• Meat Eater’s Guide to Climate Change and Health.Environmental Working Group (2011):
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Livestock’s Long Shadow: Environmental issues and options. 2006.
• Brooks, C. “New Report Reveals the Environmental and Social Impact of the Livestock Revolution.” Stanford University. (2010) Accessed on November 12, 2015.
• Patz, J., Corvalan, C. et al., “Our Planet, Our Health, Our Future. Discussion Paper on Human Health and the Rio Conventions: Biological Diversity, Climate Change and Desertification.” (date not listed). World Health Organization.  Accessed November 13, 2015.
• Rockefeller Foundation. Planetary Health: Improving Human Health by Healing the Planet. Planetary Health Summit Report. (2014). Accessed on November 13, 2015.
• Bridgewater, Peter, Regnier, M. & Wang, Z. Healthy Planet, Healthy People – A Guide To Human Health And Biodiversity. (2012). Secretariat Of The Convention On Biological Diversity, Montreal.