It’s February - the month when, historically, most people start to ditch their New Year’s Resolutions.
In the US and UK, some 40% of people will have made a pledge at the beginning of January - with living a healthier life and losing weight two of the top three reasons.
However, resolutions are also notoriously hard to keep to. Even with the best will in the world, quitting things like alcohol or junk food, or taking up regular exercise can be tricky to keep to.
Studies show some 23% of percent give up their resolution by the end of the first week - 69% by the second month...only 9% are ever fully successful, irrespective of the ‘vice’.
At Switch2Zero, we’re not ones to judge - we’ve definitely tried and failed a number of resolutions ourselves. So you won’t find us offering up criticism - instead, we focus on positive change and celebrating improvements - no matter how small.
With that in mind and because, frankly, we’re a business focussed on promoting environmental sustainability, not health improvement (although arguably the two are not mutually exclusive) this month’s top tips are focussed on why giving up or reducing some unhealthy options can be great for the planet.
The rationale - every little thing you can do to boost your resolve is a good thing. So why not feel good about yourself, while you feel good about helping the planet!
So here are some compelling green reasons to ditch the top five food and drink items that people often aim to cut back on in the New Year.
Sugar:
- Reduced reliance on resource-intensive crops: Sugarcane and sugar beets require large amounts of water, land, and fertiliser for cultivation. Cutting back on sugar can help lower demand for these resources.
- Less food waste: Excess sugar intake often leads to food waste, as sugary products like pastries and baked goods have shorter shelf lives and are more prone to spoilage. Reducing sugar intake can help minimise food waste.
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Sugar production and transportation contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing sugar consumption can indirectly reduce these emissions.
Meat:
- Decreased land use: Livestock farming accounts for a significant portion of global land use deforestation. Replacing some meat with plant-based protein sources can help reduce deforestation and protect valuable ecosystems.
- Lower water consumption: Animal agriculture is a major user of water resources. Opting for less meat-intensive meals can decrease your water footprint.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Livestock farming is a major source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Reducing meat consumption can help mitigate human-induced climate change.
Refined carbohydrates:
- Reduced water and energy use: Processing grains into refined forms requires significant water and energy. Opting for whole grains can help decrease your resource footprint.
- Increased biodiversity: Growing diverse crops - and not just relying on single types - as well as alternatives like legumes fosters biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, supporting beneficial insects and pollinators.
Fast food:
- Less packaging waste: Fast food often comes in heavily packaged single-use containers, contributing to plastic and paper waste. Reducing reliance on fast food can help minimise your packaging footprint.
- Lower food waste: Fast food has a higher risk of food waste due to large portion sizes and unpredictable demand. Avoiding fast food can help reduce the amount of food that goes to waste.
- Reduced reliance on industrial agriculture: Fast food often relies on intensive, industrialised farming practices that can harm soil health and pollute water sources. Choosing local, sustainably produced food can support environmentally friendly farming practices.
Alcohol:
- Reduced land use: Growing crops for alcohol takes up fertile land that could be used for food or ecosystem restoration. Skipping a drink frees up some of this precious resource.
- Lower water consumption: Alcohol production is thirsty, from growing crops to processing the final beverage. Buying less helps conserve water.
- Reduced greenhouse gases (GHGs): From farm to glass, alcohol production releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Avoiding some drinks helps mitigate this impact
But look, we are realists at S2Z - and believe in data - and that data says most people won’t stick to their resolution,
So if you fall into that category - never fear, because just moderating your consumption also does a world of good.
Moderating Your Consumption for Environmental Impact
Making conscious choices about your food and beverage habits can significantly reduce your environmental impact, even if you don't eliminate these items entirely. Here's how to minimise your footprint in three key areas:
- Reduce and moderate your intake: The most effective way to reduce your environmental impact from any food or beverage is to consume less of it. Overconsumption of these items leads to increased demand for resources, deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Simple steps like enjoying smaller portions, choosing healthier alternatives, and exploring plant-based options can make a big difference.
- Choose local and sustainably produced options: Whenever possible, opt for local and sustainably produced food and beverages. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, which accounts for a significant portion of the carbon footprint of these items. Look for products with certifications like Fairtrade, USDA Organic, Soil Association, Organic Food Federation or Rainforest Alliance, which indicate responsible production practices and fair labour standards.
- Support sustainable restaurants and businesses instead of fast food chains: Your dining choices can also make a difference. Seek out restaurants and businesses that prioritise sustainability in their operations. They may source locally, use minimal packaging, and adopt energy-efficient practices. By supporting these establishments, you're indirectly promoting more sustainable practices across the food and beverage industry.
So, the take out is this: New Year’s Resolutions are great - and can do wonders for your health. But even if you fail at keeping to them, a little moderation will still go a long way - both for you, and the planet. So everyone’s a winner!
