Food Health and Sustainability
Food and the environment
Did you know that up to 30% of GHG emissions globally are linked to agriculture and food production, with an estimated 8–10% of manmade GHG emissions coming from food waste alone? The impact of the food we eat on the environment is one of the key changes we can make to tackle climate change.
Our food system is also responsible for issues such as habitat loss, soil degradation, water usage and waste, all of which damage our environment.
This is the reason that a lot of people are choosing to eat a lot more plant-based food. It is a great way to look after your health and the planet. Please see the following link for more information:
Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. But eating a lot of red and processed meat also increases your risk of bowel (colorectal) cancer.
It is recommended that people who eat more than 90g (cooked weight) of red and processed meat a day cut down to 70g or less.
Please see the link for more information on meat in your diet:
How you can help
Lowering your meat consumption
- Meatless Mondays is an international campaign encouraging people to eat completely meat free food for just one day of the week please see the following link for more details:
- https://meatfreemondays.com/
- You can find alternatives to meat and dairy at the following link:
https://www.bda.uk.com/uploads/assets/89de0ac6-5141-4258-9c34ff71566821ef/One-Blue-Dot-Meal-swaps.pdf
Food wastage
Did you know that:
- An estimated 7.2 million tonnes per year of food and drink waste is generated by UK households.
- 19% of food and drink of one home ends up as kitchen waste.
- The average UK household produces 270 kg of food waste a year, or 5 kg per week.
How you can help
Managing the food you buy
- Buy little and often
- Use set weekly meal plans so you will only buy what you need
- Try not to stock up on perishable goods.
- Don’t shop on an empty stomach as you can be tempted to buy more than you need!
- Reuse leftovers where possible in future meals.
- Consider using frozen fruit and vegetables – you can buy in bulk and only use what you need.
- Use leftover vegetables, fruit, and peelings to make your own compost if you can. See the link for details:
https://www.edenproject.com/learn/eden-at-home/how-to-make-a-compost-heap-10-top-tips - Grow your own fruit and vegetables if possible. They will be fresh, and you can pick as you need.
- Rotate your food stocks using older foods first and place newer stocks at the back.
Save the planet and save some money
Visit the Energy Saving Trust: www.evergysavingtrust.org.uk
Draught Proof Your Home
Unless your home is very new, you will lose some heat through draughts around doors and windows, floors or through the chimney. If you have an open chimney, try an inflatable chimney sock.
Turn Off Electrical Appliances
Switch off standby– Almost all electrical appliances can be turned off at the plug without upsetting their programming. You might be able to save up to £40 a year by doing this.
Turn Off Lights
When you’re not using them or when you leave a room. This will save you around £14 a year on your annual energy bills. Replacing all the lights in your home with LED bulbs could also help reduce the amount you spend on energy.
Doing Laundry
Think about your washing and drying habits – You can save money on your energy bill by using a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures. Avoid using a tumble dryer for your clothes dry clothes on racks inside where possible or outside in warmer weather and you might save up to £40 a year
Saving Water
In the bathroom – keeping your shower time to just 4 minutes could save a typical household £45 a year on energy bills. Swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £7 a year on your energy bills.
Saving on Electricity
In the kitchen – kettles are one of the most used appliances but many of us boil the kettle with more water than we’re going to use. Avoid overfilling the kettle and you could save £8 a year on your electricity bill.