Environmental issues affect everyone, so it is important to understand how cultural diets can be adapted toward sustainable eating. Making sustainable food choices promotes human health and well-being while supporting environmental and social sustainability. By focusing on foods that are easily accessible, affordable, and culturally acceptable we will reduce the impact of greenhouse gases on our environment.
Did you know that over 33% of food is wasted each year? In the UK we dispose of 9.5 million tonnes of food annually. During the production and disposal of food, potent greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere contributing to climate change.
Global food wastage is linked directly to climate change. From production to consumption there are significant amounts of food that are lost during the entire food supply chain. Poor harvesting techniques, transportation, storage, and distribution, including household and consumer-level food waste contribute to the emissions of greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide and Methane.
Numerous studies conducted into sustainable eating have demonstrated the importance of cultural diets reducing our carbon footprint. Some South Asian communities have been practicing veganism, vegetarianism, and intermittent fasting as part of our cultural practices since ancient civilisation, along with traditions that contribute to sustainable eating.
Consumption of foods used by South Asian communities has an important role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing livestock emissions, animal waste, and fertilisers needed in agriculture. There is a need for us to reduce the amount of processed and red meats, dairy products plus foods containing high fat, sugar, and salt.
South Asians are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes than other ethnic groups due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors. Whilst there is nothing than can be done to change genetic risk, making positive changes to the diet can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and its complications. Meals containing less unsaturated fats, oils, sugar and carbohydrates can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.
Reducing food wastage can be challenging due to cultural practices such as hosting large feasts and preparing excess food for guests. To reduce the carbon footprint of a South Asian diet, it's important to consider the source and transportation of food products. Mindful meal planning, buying locally grown produce, and incorporating traditional practices such as reusing leftovers and composting food scraps can help decrease wastage while still honouring cultural practices.
Here are my top 10 tips on eating sustainably:
1. Emphasise plant-based meals: Plant-based eating is great for your health and helps reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. South Asian cuisines are rich in vegetarian options, so aim to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. These meals can be just as flavorful and satisfying as meat-based meals.
2. Choose sustainable seafood: South Asian cuisine can include a variety of seafood, so look for options that are sustainably sourced and don't harm the environment.
3. If you choose to eat animal products, choose products that are raised using sustainable and ethical practices.
4. Avoid overconsumption of meat: Meat consumption in some South Asian cuisines can be high, so consider reducing your meat consumption and opting for more plant-based meals.
5. Avoid processed foods: Many South Asian convenience foods come in plastic packaging that are harmful to the environment. Try preparing more homemade meals with fresh ingredients.
6. Choose eco-friendly packaging: Where possible choose reusable or compostable packaging materials like paper and cardboard. This can help to reduce waste by minimising the use of single-use plastics and other unsustainable materials.
7. Reduce your food waste: Plan your meals in advance, buy only what you need, avoid cooking more than necessary, and make use of leftovers creatively. For example, use leftover rice to create fried rice, or use leftover vegetables in a soup or curry.
8. Choose locally grown produce or grow your own produce: Buy food that’s been produced locally or if you have space for gardening, growing your own produce is a great way to eat sustainably and reduce your carbon footprint associated with transportation costs.
9. Use sustainable energy for cooking: Consider using energy-efficient induction stoves, and slow cookers, only use as much water as you need, and make sure to cover pots and pans while cooking.
10. Eat seasonal produce: Eating seasonally helps reduce the need for energy-intensive methods used to grow and store out-of-season produce. This will ensure the production of fresher, healthier, and more flavourful foods.
I cannot stress the importance of how cultural diets can be sustainable for the future of human health and our world. We need to take immediate action on the foods we consume daily.
Sustainable eating decreases the risks of diseases, improves your health and well-being, and solves global wastage of food and climate change. Together we can contribute to mitigating the impact of climate change on our planet and an environmentally sustainable future.
