Picture a world where fresh food is no longer available and grocery store shelves are empty. Instead of being the story of a dystopian book, this could be our future if we don’t change our ways. Some experts say that our land may only be good for 60 more crops. Yes, we only have 60 more years to grow food before the land is too poor to support plants. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) made this scary statement based on how quickly soil is breaking down around the world right now. As a wake-up call, it forces us to face an unpleasant truth: the way we farm is physically destroying the ground beneath our feet.

But why should you think about how healthy the soil is? Soil isn’t just dirt; it’s a living, complicated ecosystem that we need to stay alive. Soil that is healthy grows food that is good for us, cleans our water, and even stores carbon to help fight climate change. We’re not only hurting the earth when we overuse chemicals and grow too intensively; we’re also putting our food security, water quality, and climate stability at risk. You can still make things better, that’s the good news. We can all help protect our land by buying food that is good for you and supporting farming methods that are good for the environment. The next time you eat an apple or a salad, remember that they taste like the fruits of good soil. That’s something that should be protected for future generations.

60 harvests. What does that mean? One per year, 60 years, meh we’ll be dead so whatever, right? Sounds like a problem for our kids. Oh wait, we love our kids, so what are we going to do about this?

Question: What Makes a Diet Sustainable?

A sustainable diet is one that is good for the earth and for people. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) both agree that it is a diet that “promotes all dimensions of individuals’ health and wellbeing; has low environmental pressure and impact; is accessible, affordable, safe, and equitable; and is culturally acceptable.

Your safest bet to make sure you’re eating sustainably is to:

1. Eat plant-based foods;
2. Reduce or remove meat intake; and
3. Cut down on loss and wastage of food.

Debunking Sustainable Diet Myths

Myth: “Sustainable diets must be vegetarian or vegan.”

Reality: While plant-based diets are generally more sustainable, you can still include some animal products and be sustainable. It’s about balance and moderation.

Myth: “Sustainable eating is too expensive.”

Reality: Buying seasonal produce, reducing meat consumption, and minimizing waste can actually save you money.

Myth: “It’s too difficult to make a difference.”

Reality: Every sustainable choice counts. Small changes, when adopted by many, can have a significant impact.

Real-World Ways to Eat More Healthily

1. Eat seasonal foods. Fruits and veggies that are in season tend to be better for the environment.
2. Eat less meat: If you’re already vegan or veggo then this one doesn’t apply to you but if you’re a curious carnivore over here then one thing you can do is follow the EAT-Lancet plan says that you should only eat 14 grams of red meat per day.
3. Look into plant-based proteins. Nuts, beans, legumes, and tofu are all good sources of protein that won’t go bad.
4. Shop local: This can cut down on food miles and help local economies.
5. Stop wasting food: aim for less than 10% of edible plate trash.

What Sustainable Eating Does

Adopting a more sustainable diet can lead to significant positive impacts in various areas. Health-wise, following the EAT-Lancet diet could reduce mortality rates by 19–24%, primarily by decreasing the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases. Environmentally, this dietary shift has the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 42% and reduce fertilizer usage by 23.5%. Economically, supporting local farmers and businesses can strengthen the local economy, fostering community resilience and sustainability.

Measuring Diets That Are Sustainable

Researchers have come up with a number of ways to measure how well people stick to healthy, long-term diets:

1. EAT-Lancet Diet Score (ELD-I): This score is based on what the EAT-Lancet Commission, a group of experts who worked together to describe a healthy and sustainable diet, said should be eaten. It usually gives you points for following certain dietary suggestions, like eating more plant-based foods and less red meat.
2. Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI): This measure is in line with the “planetary health diet” proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission. This diet aims to improve both human health and natural sustainability. It looks at eating habits to see how well they fit with these goals.
3. Sustainable Diet Index (SDI): This index looks at more than just nutrition. It also looks at how a diet affects the earth, how much it costs, and how it fits into society and culture. It gives you a bigger picture of food sustainability.
4. The World Measure for Sustainability and Health (WISH) is a global measure that looks at diets from different cultures and countries to see how they affect health and the environment.

All of these measurement tools are useful to researchers and planners in examining eating habits of different groups of people, comparing foods in different areas, keeping track of changes over time and assessing just how well nutrition recommendations, laws, and programs are working.

By giving numbers, these statistics help turn complicated dietary advice into information that can be used. This knowledge can help shape global efforts to improve public health, protect the environment, and change the food system so that people eat in a way that is better for the environment and their health.

Dealing with Problems

It seems overwhelming sometimes, trying to change the way we are. There is a reason the old adage about a thousand miles is so famous. A single step is all you need to start. Try some of these tips:

1. Make small changes over time. Start with “Meatless Mondays” and add to it from there.
2. Education: Find out how different foods affect the world.
3. Budget-friendly options: Choose whole foods and fruit that is in season.
4. Cultural adaptation: Change the ideas behind a healthy diet to fit the way you live.

Who’s Eating What and When

A study from the UK found some interesting things about how people think about healthy diets:

• Women were more likely than men to choose proteins that come from plants.
• People who were younger were less likely to pick organic food and fish that are good for the environment.
• Health (76%), cost (55%), the environment (53%), and taste (48%) were the main reasons people chose the foods they did.

What the Future Holds for Eco-Friendly Eating

There are a lot of moving parts in the sustainable food scene. The critical relationship between food policy and ecological impact is being acknowledged by governments, which is why dietary guidelines are increasingly including environmental issues. Vertical farming and other plant-based alternatives are among the technological advances that are changing the face of food production. As more people realise the link between their food choices and the effects on the environment, consumer consciousness is on the rise, which is setting the stage for these developments. We are undergoing a profound paradigm shift in food production, distribution, and consumption as a result of legislative reforms, technological advancements, and increased public awareness, which is leading to a more sustainable food future.

Bottom Line

A sustainable diet is a great way to improve your health and the health of the world. The EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet is a system that is adaptable to different cultural settings. We can help make the food system more sustainable by choosing what we eat based on good information.

Remember, every choice you make about healthy food matters. Choosing veggies that are in season, eating less meat, and wasting less food are all small changes that add up to big changes. As we deal with global problems like climate change and lack of food security, the food we eat becomes an important part of the answer.

So, the next time you plan a meal or go grocery shopping, think about how the foods you choose will affect other people. You’re not only taking care of your health when you switch to a more sustainable diet, but you’re also making the world better and more sustainable for future generations.