Protecting the planet doesn’t need to require radical change, as Jimmy Joy’s head of nutrition Charlotte Bierens explains.
Food production, packaging, transportation and consumption combine to have a big impact on the health of our bodies and our planet.
But small things you can adjust in your daily life can have a major contribution for yourself, for society and the planet as a whole.
Visit oddbox.co.uk to find out more
Hit the Market
Instead of going to the supermarket to buy food packaged in plastic, take a walk to your local market once a week to buy fresh, seasonal, locally sourced products. It will not only save plastic waste, but will also end up being cheaper.
Check out Odd Box, too. You can order a box of oddly shaped fruit and veg that would otherwise end up as waste – just because it doesn’t look round or shiny enough for supermarket shelves.
Waste Less
If you’re ever thinking about throwing a bit of food away, consider this: the amount of food we waste each year could feed two-billion people – and If we continue wasting food at the same rate, by 2050 five billion people could suffer from food insecurity.
A quick meal plan and a structured approach can minimise so much food waste and make your trip to the shops a more seamless affair.
By planning your meals in advance, you’re also more likely to stick to a healthy, balanced diet.
Switching to dairy-free milk is one of the easiest ways to cut down on animal products
Go Plant-Based
The big one. Swapping animal products for plant-based alternatives can sound overwhelming – but it’s not. Plant-based alternatives are everywhere – from nut milks to ‘impossible’ burgers – and there’s no need to go vegan in a day. Simply being more aware of what you’re consuming, and cutting down where possible, can make a big difference.
Animal products account for 83 percent of greenhouse gas emissions across the food supply chain. They’re also by far the largest contributor to the carbon footprint, with red meat alone creating 62 percent.
A single cow produces as much greenhouse gas emissions as 4.5 cars, and even a day without meat consumption can make a huge, positive impact on the environment.
Recycle More
After finishing breakfast, lunch or dinner, always look to recycle the packaging. It’s important to clean the product properly and make sure you divide the materials correctly.
This is easier when you have separate bins for plastic, glass, paper. Always keep a bin for fresh produce, too, as it can be used as organic compost in the garden.
Jimmy Joy provides nutritionally complete, plant-based meals that are good for you and the planet. For more information visit jimmyjoy.com
