future and food
Small Changes, Big Results We have infinite demands, yet we live on a finite planet, and the only solution for our planet’s wellbeing is the move towards sustainable development. Much of this catalyst lies in the consumer’s power to choose. Slowly yet surely, steps are made towards a more sustainable future with the growing popularity of nose-to-tail gastronomy, as well as the organic food movement and locavore culture. By fully utilising every part of an animal, and by choosing produce that is grown locally and under organic guidelines, we can significantly reduce the strain on our planet. Ultimately, to quote Anna Lappe, a prominent author and sustainable food advocate, “each time we spend money we are casting a vote for the type of world we want”. How We Can Help: Purchasing Power It’s easy to buy a processed burger at a nearby fast food joint, but you’re not going to get many nutrients from it. Instead, try cooking simple meals at home using sustainable ingredients. By supporting farms that use environmental, humane methods, you are empowering these producers to grow and expand, leading to the spread of more sustainable practices. Whenever possible, buy from local producers, as their products are the freshest and have the smallest carbon footprint thanks to short transportation lines.
Kadoorie Farm
It’s important to consider quality over quantity. Meat from ethical, environmentally-conscious producers will likely cost more than large-scale industrialized meat enterprises, due to more stringent regulations on animal feed and better welfare for the livestocks, but the quality of the product is also significantly higher. According to our friends at Slow Food, livestock raised on high quality grains, hay, or grass and allowed to exercise outside of cages produce healthier, tastier meats with lower cholesterol and saturated fats. Although the cost is higher, the nutrition content is also greater. Therefore, eating higher quality meats less often is both beneficial to health and budget. Choosing meats from sustainable farms, as close as possible to where you live, will mean fresher products that taste better without costing the earth. Shifting Diets
facebook.com/foodiehk // july 2015
Homegrown Foods
If the majority of crops grown were fed to humans, feeding 9 billion people by 2050 would be manageable. However, nearly half of the crops grown today are fed to livestock, or converted to industrial products such as biofuels. Either a shift towards a less meat-intensive diet or a way to produce meat more sustainably is needed in order for our planet to continue supporting our growing population. A diet that consists of 20 percent animal protein and 80 percent plant-based nutrients would revolutionise the way we treat our planet today. Eating high quality meat, but less frequently, would also do wonders for our health and the environment.
25