Cooking for the Planet: Insight into Chicago’s Sustainable Culinary Scene

Cooking for the Climate - Chicago Health

Food and Climate Change: Making Sustainable Choices

The issue of food lies at the heart of climate change mitigation. Dietary choices and consumption patterns have far-reaching effects on greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn influence the food supply chain.

The severity of global climate extremes, from record-breaking summer heat to sweeping polar vortexes, can often make individuals feel powerless. However, the manner in which we choose to consume and prepare our food can have significant impacts on the climate.

“Adopting sustainable eating practices, such as minimizing food waste and supporting locally sourced, seasonal produce, contributes to mitigating these impacts and enhances the resilience of the food system,” explains Danielle Crumble Smith, a registered dietitian nutritionist.

One such practice is plant-forward eating, which emphasizes plant-based foods but includes other food groups as well. According to Smith, “Many people are unaware of the potential environmental impacts of their food choices. By shifting towards unprocessed plant-based foods, we can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”

On a global level, plant-forward eating is directly linked to environmental sustainability. Preparing plant-forward meals is a fundamental step towards cooking for the climate at home, and it’s a principle shared by the foodservice industry too.

Integrating Sustainable Practices

Multiple food practices can make your eating habits more climate-friendly; some require an investment of time or money, while others are simpler.

For example, choosing high-quality wooden cutting boards, as opposed to plastic ones, is an eco-friendly choice. The Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) certification label is a reliable indicator that a product complies with forestry standards that safeguard the environment and uphold the rights of workers and indigenous communities.

Additionally, incorporating waste prevention strategies, like composting, into your food preparation routine can be environmentally beneficial. Registered dietitian nutritionist and chef Sara Haas suggests creative ways to reuse food scraps, such as making soup stock.

Considering a shift from gas stoves to induction stoves also provides a significant eco-friendly benefit. Induction stoves, which generate energy from an electromagnetic field, are highly energy-efficient, and a recent study associated their use with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and fewer hospitalizations due to respiratory issues. In addition, induction stoves are 5% to 10% more energy-efficient than traditional electric stoves and three times more efficient than gas stoves.

Supporting businesses that promote plant-forward eating, such as restaurants that spotlight seasonal produce and local farmers, is another way to contribute. Initiatives like Menus of Change champion sustainable food practices that benefit both human health and the climate.

Rebalancing food ratios to favor more plant-based sources and adopting sustainable practices in food preparation can not only help manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and body weight, but also yield positive environmental outcomes.

Original Story at chicagohealthonline.com

Trending News

Federal Funding Targets Reduction of Carbon Emissions and Air Pollution at US Ports


The U.S. government has announced a new initiative to tackle carbon emissions and air pollution at the nation’s ports. This effort comes with the allocation of federal funds aimed at modernizing port infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices. The goal is to significantly reduce the environmental impact of port operations, a critical step in addressing climate change.



Significant Investments in Green Technologies


The initiative involves substantial investments in green technologies, including electrified equipment and renewable energy sources. Ports are major contributors to air pollution, primarily due to emissions from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. By adopting cleaner technologies, the U.S. aims to cut down on the release of harmful pollutants.



Government and Industry Collaboration


The program calls for collaboration between federal agencies and industry stakeholders. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for reducing emissions, offering ports technical assistance to implement sustainable practices. This partnership is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to specific port needs.



Impact on Local Communities


Local communities, often disproportionately affected by air pollution from ports, are expected to benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes. The initiative emphasizes the importance of involving community organizations to ensure that the changes address local concerns.



Monitoring and Accountability


To ensure accountability, the program includes measures for monitoring emissions reductions and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented technologies. This data-driven approach facilitates continuous improvement and demonstrates the benefits of federal investments in environmental sustainability.



Long-Term Environmental Goals


This federal funding aligns with broader environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. government continues to prioritize policy changes that support these objectives and drive progress within the transportation and logistics sectors.