What is Sustainability in Food? Why is it Important?

The word “sustainability” has recently become omnipresent in news headlines and plastered onto packages. The word is used in so many different contexts. However, its meaning is at the fundamental level is to continue in a healthy state through a balance of using, replenishing, and upcycling. This term can be used to describe many things, such as businesses, partnerships, and relationships, but most recently, the term has included the environment and our relationship to climate change. But what does sustainability mean for the food industry?

While no industry definition of sustainability exists, it’s become a blanket term encompassing environmental, social, and governmental policies and stances.

We can be more sustainable or environmentally mindful in many ways. From a high-level view, Sustainability in the environmental sense is how we can restore a balanced relationship with natural resources. In the social sense, it can mean how your workers are treated and compensated. It also includes the ethics of the company and how you impact your local community. From the government side, this generally refers to workers' rights, human rights, and compliance with local or federal regulations.  From the purchases we make, to the food we eat, to the way we get around – our wallets hold the power to support and endorse companies who care about the planet.  

Why is sustainable food Important?

Sustainability in food transcends the mere act of eating. It is an all-encompassing approach that considers the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of food production and consumption. With the growing population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, food sustainability has never been more critical. The impact of our food choices on natural resources, climate change, and food security is profound. It influences everything from local economies to global food systems. Understanding the importance of sustainable food systems is the first step toward making meaningful changes that benefit both people and the planet.

Our current food industry methods are not sustainable. We produce 1.5x the amount of food needed to sustain the entire global population. Each year, about 30% of that food goes to waste. However, 825 million people globally are food insecure. In the United States, 1 in 5 people are food insecure. With grocery prices up almost 20% since 2020, food security is an even bigger threat to more people than we initially thought. 

Food sustainability aims to resolve this issue by focusing less on agricultural yields and more on creating healthy, nutritious products. Equally as important, sustainable foods are distributed equally and profitably for farmers. While there are many ways to execute on this goal, here are a few ways you can focus on progressing a more sustainable food system within your own control. 

Opting for Seasonal Produce

Supporting Local Farmers and Markets

Buying food from local farmers and markets is an excellent way to support sustainable food supply chains. Local food travels shorter distances, reducing carbon emissions, and it also helps sustain local communities by keeping money within the local economy.

 Additionally, small, local farmers often use better agricultural practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and reduced pesticide use. By supporting local food sources, you’re supporting your local farmers and economy. Plus, you’ll be getting delicious, in-season produce as well!

Minimizing Packaging Waste

One of the most visible forms of waste in the food industry is packaging. From plastic wrappers to cardboard boxes, packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution. if you think your plastic is getting recycled, think again. Only 7% of the world's plastic is recycled. 

While some plastic is unavoidable, there are some ways we can reduce packaging waste.  Making conscious choices at the grocery store, like buying in bulk, choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging, and bringing reusable bags, are just a few ways you can help reduce this waste. These sustainable practices not only lessen the burden on waste management systems, but also encourage food companies to adopt more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Listen to our episode on reducing packaging waste on our podcast.

Choosing regenerative and Sustainable crops

Regenerative farming is a crucial component of sustainable food production. By working with nature to for pest management, working to promote soil health, and increasing biodiversity, regenerative farming is a huge step in sustainable and responsible agriculture. This method of farming also typically has lower environmental impacts vs conventional agriculture. 

While organic is sometimes promoted as a more sustainable option, organic crops typically have a higher environmental impact we kg because the yields are lower. To learn more about these differences, check out our organic vs. regenerative agriculture post.

Diminishing Food Waste with Proper Meal Planning

Strategic meal planning is a powerful tool in the fight against food waste. By carefully considering portion sizes, utilizing leftovers, and planning meals around what is already in the pantry, you can significantly reduce the amount of food that ends up in the landfill. This not only conserves natural resources but also decreases the environmental impact of food waste, including methane emissions. Moreover, thoughtful planning can help you create nutritious meals that support both human and environmental health.

If you want some help in this space, check out the seasonal meal plans page. 

Embracing Plant-Based Foods

Plant-based diets are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable food systems. By prioritizing fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you can help reduce the environmental impact of conventional animal agriculture. Plant-based foods require fewer resources, such as water and land, and generate fewer greenhouse gases than meat production.

While this doesn’t mean everyone turns to a plant-based or vegan diet overnight, opting for more plant-forward foods can impact your plate. Check out our recipe archive for more recipe ideas on what a balanced plant-forward diet can look like.

Advocating for Ethical and Sustainable Animal Farming

It is universally accepted that factory farming isn’t necessarily ethical or humane. Sustainable farming practices prioritize animal welfare, ensuring that livestock is raised humanely with access to natural behaviors and diets. This approach improves the quality of life for animals and leads to more sustainable agricultural practices, such as rotational grazing and organic feed. By choosing products from farms that prioritize animal welfare, you endorse a food system that is more aligned with supporting smaller farmers and better-quality meats.

Reducing Red Meat Consumption

Reducing red meat consumption is one of the most impactful steps you can take toward a more sustainable diet. Red meat production is associated with high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. By cutting back on red meat and incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. Additionally, reducing red meat intake can positively affect your health, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and improving overall diet quality.

Reducing Food Waste Through Creative Leftovers

Repurposing leftovers is a creative and effective way to reduce food waste. Whether it’s turning last night’s dinner into a new meal or using vegetable scraps to make broth, finding new ways to use leftovers can prevent food from going to waste. This conserves resources, stretches your food budget, and allows you to enjoy nutritious meals without unnecessary waste. By embracing a mindset of resourcefulness in the kitchen, you contribute to food sustainability and waste reduction.

Supporting Sustainable Food Companies

As consumers, our purchasing choices significantly impact the food industry. Supporting companies that prioritize sustainable food production encourages the adoption of practices that are better for the environment and society. Look for brands that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Good examples include those that use renewable energy, support fair trade, and prioritize transparency in their supply chains. Start by exploring our directory of sustainable brands here.

The Long-Term Impact of Sustainable Food Choices

So what is sustainability in food? It can mean many things, but we do know one thing. The choices we make today have a profound impact on changing the direction of the food industry. Sustainable food choices are not just about the present; they are about securing a sustainable future for our food system. By choosing sustainable food practices, we can ensure that the global population has access to nutritious food, that our natural resources are preserved, and that the environmental impact of our food systems is minimized. Together, we can build a more sustainable and resilient food system for all.

What sustainable choices will you make?

If you enjoy this material, check out our podcast, Made to Sustain, and follow along for more!