This year’s Earth Hour is set on the 27th of March and it is here to reminds us of our duty to respect our one and only planet and its valuable resources. One of the simpler ways you can get involved in sustainable practices, as suggested by the Earth Hour Organization, is to choose eco-friendly foods whenever possible, that do not harm the environment and act against climate change. So in this article, we present you 4 eco-friendly diet options that are also very popular in the Mediterranean Diet!
1. Lentils, Peas & Beans for Protein
Studies have shown that legumes, in general, are one of the most environmentally friendly foods one can consume. In the contrary, as mentioned on a previous blogpost regarding the sustainability aspect of the Mediterranean Diet, animal- based food products are harmful to the environment.
As the World Health Organization (WHO) supports, legumes are a much more sustainable packed-with-protein alternative to meat, and also extremely healthy for humans, containing fiber, and other important nutrients.
2. Fruits & Veggies
Similar to legumes, fruits and veggies are found to have a lower environmental impact compared to animal products, as the Greenhouse emissions for their production are significantly lower. Plus, there are indications that consuming local and seasonal produce is more beneficial for the planet, as less energy is being used this way.
Another study shows that organic plant-based food has the potential to act in favor of the climate, so it is clear that the methods of food production and the way in which our fruits and veggies have arrived to us, also holds importance.
3. Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate
Let’s face it: Most of us cant’ live without coffee and/or chocolate! To make a positive impact on the environment, it is a wise choice to choose fair trade coffee and chocolate products, meaning products that have been produced, processed and sourced in an ethical and sustainable way.
Fairtrade farmers are commited to following sustainable agricultural practices, that do not harm our planet, so we should keep this in mind when shopping such products.
4. Sustainably Sourced Fish
Last but not least, consuming fish from sustainable sources can also help do good to the environment, and more specifically, the oceans. BBC Earth suggests choosing fish that has been caught and farmed in a responsible, ethical way, fish that has proof of a lower environmental impact, and checking for eco labels, along with other suggestions.
Encouraging a harmful fish sourcing and ruining the marine life, is something that has negative impact on our health too, so let’s start making a change today!
