The most sustainable ways to get your food

We’ve heard all about the dramatic impact what we eat has on the planet. For example, the huge carbon footprint of the cattle industry has been well documented. In fact, food accounts for up to 30% of every household’s total carbon footprint.

This goes beyond just the production of whatever it is we choose to consume, though. The transportation of goods is a huge source of emissions in the global economy. In fact, doing so is how the majority of the world's petroleum is used.

So while what we eat does have an environmental impact, we need to take a closer look at how we’re getting our food as well. Let’s look at a few ways we get our food to learn what opportunities there are to be more environmentally conscious.

Efficiency starts at home

If you’re here, you’re probably at least familiar with some of the reasons solar panels are so beneficial. A huge one is efficiency—if you don’t lose energy by transferring it over long distances, then you actually consume less for every watt you use.

You can think about gardening the same way. When you grow your own food, it’s not being transported thousands of miles before you even see it on the store shelf. You’re just picking it and walking inside. Now, obviously, this isn’t without its drawbacks. It is a commitment that some people may simply not have enough time to dedicate to. Also, your region can affect what you’re able to grow.

But if you do decide to grow your own food, it’s generally the most sustainable way to get your nutrition. As an added bonus, it’s usually healthier for you. In doing so, however, there are a few practices to keep in mind, which you can learn more about here. Here’s a brief rundown of a few of them:

• Be mindful of water consumption
• Try to avoid using gas powered equipment
• Avoid planting invasive species
• Compost kitchen and garden waste

Reduce transportation emissions by buying local

Let’s face it, a lot of us aren’t born with a green thumb. Or maybe we just don’t have the space or time needed to grow our own garden. And, the real fact of the matter is you’re not going to be able to grow EVERYTHING you need—even if you install a chicken coop in the backyard.

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There’s a reason farming has existed since we evolved beyond hunting and gathering. The next best thing you can do is to try to buy local. Even if it means driving a bit farther to find a farmer’s market, goods grown or raised in your area don’t have to travel across state lines in refrigerated trucks, dramatically reducing the carbon footprint of whatever it is you’re buying. It also helps ensure what you’re eating can be grown where you live, which helps your entire local habitat thrive.

There are many reasons to try to shop local when you can. So while we’re primarily focusing on ways to live more sustainably, it bears mentioning that in doing so you’re supporting the local economy. Your friends and neighbors. WIth the added bonus of getting fresh meats and produce that haven’t been frozen.

Find opportunities to deliver to your home

The beginnings of the pandemic had a few trends pop up. One was an increased number of people had the time and motivation to grow their own gardens. On the other hand, many farmers markets weren’t able to operate for a period of time, making it harder to buy locally sourced goods.

And throughout it all, a large number of us tried shopping for our groceries online. Nearly 80% of Americans have done so since March of 2020. After doing so, you can then pick them up, or in many cases have them delivered. The question is, which is better? A large truck driving around house to house, or us just going to get them ourselves?

With a bit of critical thinking, the answer becomes pretty clear. Sure, the truck may be less efficient than an individual car. But when you combine the number of cars driving to the store, that number begins to skyrocket.

Here are some numbers to chew on that reflect just that. The average American drives about four miles to get to the grocery store. That means if we all go to the store once a week (which, let’s be honest, is probably a big underestimation) we’re putting a combined 17 million metric tons of CO2 into the air.

A big part of this comes from efficiency gains. Since delivery drivers know where each person who needs groceries is, they’re able to find the quickest route possible, cutting down drivetime. And, as previously mentioned, simply having a single truck on the road is much better than a ton of cars, even if that one truck isn’t as efficient. By opting for delivery, people can actually reduce carbon emissions by at least half. And, as electric trucks become more commonplace in the coming years, that number will continue to shrink.

So, while it can seem that being eco friendly takes some extra effort, it’s clearly not always the case. What’s easier than skipping a trip to a crowded store? And when it comes to gardening or farmers markets, you may just find a new hobby to fall in love with, something new to try, or even a new group of friends. All it takes is a bit of thinking, and you’ll be doing your part to help the earth while enjoying the things you love.