Surely in modern-day times of economic fluctuation and environmental concern, one would ponder how many small changes in lifestyle could significantly change our situation for the better. Recycling, reusing, conservation of energy, and various other methods are useful ways to preserve the environment. The truth is, just about every interaction we make with the world around us affects how we leave a carbon print on the world. A very significant, but underestimated method of reducing your affect on the environment is a properly structured diet that is “green.” The reason behind the diet or selection of food intake is the modern methods of mass food production and the harm it does to the earth. An added benefit to a greener diet would be the fact that it is healthier than the average American diet. The basis for the diet is not simply to consume only plants or to buy organic, although those help. The most important thing to consider when eating green is whether the food we eat leaves minimal pollution on the environment. Where it comes from, how it is grown, processed, packaged, and transported to where it is sold and consumed are all important parts of the process to consider. How each of these affect our environment and health are of the utmost importance. Here is a list of ways for the average college student to eat green.
1. Eat less animal products such as red meat
To make this clear first, I am not advocating that we all become vegetarians but I have great respect for those that make that decision. The reason why you should eat less red meat is due to the high consumption rate of red meat in America and the energy required producing it. The animals we raise for red meat consume well over half our crop harvest every year and the antibiotics and hormones they are given to grow faster end up in our rivers and streams. Does this mean we have to give up steak? No. But if you were to do it with as little environmental strain as possible you should buy grass-fed beef that is chemical, hormone, and antibiotic free. For how we can change this in our college, read on.
2. Eat real food
Highly processed foods require just that, processing, which takes energy and creates pollutants. A good tip for those that buy food at the supermarket is to stay on the outskirts of the store because most of the food that requires no container or a recyclable container is also the healthiest. The less packaging and whole (without additives and chemicals) the food is, the better.
3. Don’t buy bottled water
Bottled water is a no-no. The energy needed to make the bottle and transport it from places like Fiji, Europe, and other locations adds up on spent energy. You should buy a reusable plastic bottle and get a filter for your tap water. Because we do not have filters in the dorms, you can get water at one of the filtered water stations at our servery!
4. Buy fruits and vegetables in-season (buy locally)
When we buy in-season foods, we are eliminating environmental damage caused by excess miles that the food would have needed if we bought it out of season. You are also supporting the local farm economy. Once again, this may not seem as applicable due to our constraints with food services but I will explain.
5. Eat the food you put on your plate
This may seem common sense to some but is a very normal thing that can be witnessed every day at our servery. I am sure that all of us have had that busy day where we have some food left on our plate but we don’t eat it. Food is energy and nutrients. When we do not consume the food that we have taken, it goes into the garbage. What the food could have done, if it was not thrown in the garbage, would be to give nutrients to other plants and living things. Essentially this is an issue of waste. For some this may be the hardest step to make. But it is important to judge how much you need to consume and to not let your eyes decide how much food to take.
Lastly, I understand that we may have very minimal control over steps like eating grass-fed beef, organic foods, less processed foods, as well as buying foods in season and locally. The solution is talk with our food service. It doesn’t have to be an intimidating demand. Simply give them some input as to what kinds of food selections you would like. In the last few years college students at various colleges have been asking for their food services to buy locally. Once we are aware of how to eat in a way that leaves less of an effect on the earth, it is important to consider change. Just remember that every movement and significant change must start off with knowledge and an idea. Then action needs to take place.
So, to recap, eat less animal products such as red meat, eat real food more than processed, don’t buy bottled water, buy produce in-season, and take only as much food as you will eat at the servery. If you have any questions or comments, please list them.
Grant
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