Sustainable food is tastier, healthier, and better for your peace of mind. That’s what more and more people believe. The trend of eating sustainably continues to grow. In 2016, spending on products with the following labels increased by 26%: ASC, Organic, Better Life, Fair Trade/Max Havelaar, MSC, Milieukeur, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ Certified, Label Rouge, Free Range, and Outdoor Access.
Even products without a label are becoming more sustainable. For example, many supermarkets are phasing out low-welfare chicken (“plofkip”), making the “standard” option more sustainable than before.
Why is sustainable eating important?
Over a third of environmental impact comes from food — mainly from industrial production, waste by consumers and companies, and transport. With just a few lifestyle changes, you can reduce your environmental footprint by up to 50%. Here are some tips:
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Avoid food waste. Freeze leftovers or turn them into soup.
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Eat less red and processed meat — these have a high environmental impact.
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Don’t eat more than needed and avoid processed products such as snacks, sweets, soda, and alcohol. It also saves you calories.
Already doing all of this? Test how sustainable your choices are at:
http://www.voedingscentrum.nl/nl/mijn-boodschappen/eten-kopen/voedselafdruk.aspx