Earth Overshoot Day 2023 - How can our food help?

Today's Earth Overshoot Day in Austria reminds us - as it does every year - that we are using up our natural resources faster than they can regenerate. The way we eat also has a significant impact on the planet. A sustainable diet can not only promote our health but also helps to conserve the earth's resources.

Here are some tips on how a healthy and sustainable diet can benefit both the environment and our health:

1. choose foods with a low carbon footprint:

Animal products such as meat and dairy have a high carbon footprint and can have a negative impact on our health, especially if we consume too much of them. Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains have a lower carbon footprint and are rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals.

2. avoid food waste:

Food waste can have a negative impact on the environment and put a strain on our budget. By using leftovers and storing food properly, we can reduce waste and save money. Eating a variety of foods can also help maintain a balanced diet that provides us with the nutrients our bodies need.

3. buy local and seasonal food:

Local and seasonal foods often have a higher nutritional content than imported foods and can help reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals. In addition, this also supports the local economy.

4. choose organic and fair trade products:

Organic and Fairtrade products can be free of harmful chemicals and reduce the use of pesticides. Fairtrade products also ensure that the workers who grow this food are paid fairly. Thus, a balanced diet of organic and Fairtrade products can help provide the body with important nutrients while helping to pay workers fairly.

It is important to note that it is not necessary to radically change lifestyle overnight to live more sustainably. Even small steps toward a sustainable diet can help protect the planet and our health. By focusing on consuming plant-based foods, reducing food waste, and favoring local, seasonal, and organic products, we can do our part.

The point is not to be perfect, but to try to move step by step toward a more sustainable lifestyle. By focusing on the benefits to our health and the planet, we can stay motivated and also inspire others to make sustainable changes.