Do you also find it difficult to know what you should and shouldn't put in your shopping cart when shopping for food? Many of us want and try to shop and eat more environmentally friendly, but it is not always easy to know what is good and what is not...
What to think about? Is it ok to eat meat and fish and how good is organic food? Here are some tips on how to be more environmentally friendly when it comes to food.
The plant kingdom as a base
Vegetables, fruits and berries are good for you and the environment. Raw vegetables such as root vegetables, cabbage, onions and the like are full of good nutrients, can be stored for a long time and are particularly climate-friendly. Beans, lentils, peas and dark green leafy vegetables are great sources of protein.
Potatoes and cereal products have a relatively low environmental impact. Choose potatoes, food oats, food wheat or similar over rice as rice cultivation causes significantly higher emissions. However, potatoes are the most sprayed crop in Sweden, so choose organic potatoes.
Right meat & fish
Buy meat, fish and dairy products with care. Start by thinking about the quantity, reduce your meat consumption. This benefits both your health and the environment. Then choose organic meat and dairy products, Swedish game or Swedish pasture-raised meat. This will help improve animal health and reduce the spread of toxins and artificial fertilizers. You also contribute to a healthier nature. I WWF's meat guide helps you choose the right meat.
When it comes to seafood, look for the MSC, ASC and KRAV labels to ensure you get fish from stocks that are not in danger of extinction.
Fish is healthy but unfortunately some species contain harmful environmental toxins and are not good to eat too often. Keep an eye on the National Food Agency's fish list and in WWF's fish guide.
Cooking fat
Reduce the amount of butter and use rapeseed and olive oil instead. Butter causes more greenhouse gas emissions.
Choose organic
In fact, in general, organic and non-organic farming have about the same impact on the climate, but organic produce means far fewer toxins are used. Less toxins means a better environment with cleaner water and more vital bees, insects, plants and animals. Organic products also reduce the risk of various diseases for those working on the farms. In addition, you don't get residual toxins in your food.
Eat according to the season
With a seasonal approach, you become more climate-smart, you save money and you get better and tastier products.
Plan your purchases - Waste less
A third of all food is thrown away, we can't have that! Make a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases. Use leftovers and keep track of the lifespan of your food. Trust your senses, look, smell and taste before throwing away.
Sources:
sverigeskonsumenter.se
wwf.se
