Eating sustainably
This Michaelmas term, we are focusing on sustainable food and recognising its importance to planetary and human health.
Read further for top tips for eating sustainably and for available opportunities at the University.
True or False? Answers can be found at the bottom of the webpage*.
- Food production accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is the leading driver of biodiversity loss, deforestation and land-use change.
- Currently, 80% of agricultural land is used for meat and dairy production.
- Even if the world switched to 100% renewable energy tomorrow, if we ignored emissions from agriculture, we would still miss our global target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees**.
- It takes 100 times more land to produce a kilocalorie of beef than a plant-based alternative.
- If everyone switched to a plant-based diet, we would reduce global land use for agriculture by 75%.
Our top-tips for eating sustainably
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, grains and beans.
- Reduce your red meat and dairy consumption.
- Avoid plastic packaging and food waste.
- Drink tap instead of bottled water.
- Choose items that are responsibly sourced.
Feel free to use our 'Eating Sustainably' social media posts to share these top tips.
*True or False answers
All of the statements are true.
Read more about the environmental impacts of food on the Our World in Data website
**The agreed target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees was set by the Paris Agreement. It aims to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels – 1.5°C, if possible, as this would significantly reduce the risks and harm done by climate change.
Get involved
Do you want to promote sustainable food in your college or department? Can you engage with your colleagues or peers to encourage more thought and action?
Do you want to learn more? Here are some ideas on how to get involved.
