Eating on the go is a difficult task when you’re trying to eat sustainably. But there are a few ways to get started with your adventure at your favorite eatery and save on carbon emissions and other important aspects in animal welfare.
Some simple solutions include making sure you’re eating fruits and vegetables that are in season in your local area, which means you’re likely getting stock from regions that are closer in proximity over having to import from places that are farther away. Other ways include building up your network of places you like to stop at and have sustainable options—planning is chief here. Last, you want to check what is on the menu, such as your choice of meat, if you indulge in such things.
What are the benefits of eating sustainably on the go?
- Reduce carbon emissions by making better eating options.
- Promotion of biodiversity.
- Increased soil health by choosing food options that don’t use synthetic fertilizers.
- Increase positive mental health outcomes.
How do I get started eating sustainably?
Mapping my routes: Mapping the routes that you go on every day, especially for those working in a physical office, can be a good starting point for options for eating out. If you’re not going out of your way, you’re saving on carbon emissions immediately.
Make a list: Planning is your best friend when it comes to eating sustainably. For extreme planners, open your excel docs and write a list of target eateries and a list of target foods you want to eat. Comparing and contrasting can be a great tool.
Set sustainability goals: Just like setting KPIs, you can also set SIs for sustainability. We have a few suggestions to get you started.
Goals for sustainable food: This is by no means a comprehensive list. But a major one is to make sure you’re purchasing from local eateries. Those local eateries should also be obtaining local foods. If you’re unsure if they do, ask them about it.
You can also question your eaterie about what practices they used to grow your vegetables and fruits or the practices used where the restaurant or store obtained the meat. There are meats that are more sustainable than others with chicken and turkey having the least environmental impact. Beef and lamb are on the high side with bacon just beneath that.
Make sure you eat fruits and vegetables that are in season. This can reduce instances of having to import products from far away.
The last piece of advice is to pay attention to the verbiage used on menus. When restaurants state they only get local stocks, on any item, it would be good to keep going back there. Make sure you see verbiage like pasture-raised. Remember that grass-fed does not mean pasture-raised, meaning that the animals may have been stuck in a building their entire lives.