Given the unprecedented situation marked by escalating temperatures, global boiling has now encircled all of us. In this case, agriculture plays a vital role in causing climate change and contributes to around 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In order to achieve our net zero goal and reduce our carbon footprint, a crucial aspect lies in transitioning away from chemical-dependent food, resource-intensive mono-crops, and excessive use of plastic packaging. Mingled with the latest World Bank figure indicating that 80% of 166 nations witnessed food price inflation surpassing overall inflation, embracing climate-conscious food emerges as a key component in the pursuit of sustainability and can mitigate food insecurity alongside environmental harms from usual agricultural practices.
WHAT IS CLIMATE-CONSCIOUS FOOD
Climate-conscious foods are crafted with deep consideration for global warming and are created responsibly by containing ingredients cultivated in a way that accounts for their environmental impact. This involves implementing sustainable farming that not only supports regional biodiversity but also reduces soil erosion and water pollution. By naturally promoting sustainability and consuming fewer resources for production, climate-conscious foods become a practical choice that yields substantial benefits for the environment.
A CASE STUDY
Nature's Path, a privately held family business, serves as a GREAT example of a company that prioritizes the environment in its food offerings. Their products are diverse, ranging from chips to cereal, granola, bars, waffles, oatmeal, and many more. In the current stage, Nature's Path is experimenting with circular shipping by delivering reusable granola containers to the tested locations. Notably, 97% of the packaging used by the business is either recyclable or biodegradable. Additionally, Nature’s Path has collaborated with Canadian Organic Growers to assist farmers in their transition to organic farming by establishing the Regenerative Organic Oats (ROO) program. This program provides participating farms with US$5,000 to cover program-related costs, while the remaining US$80,000 will be designated to facilitate Regenerative Organic Oats training. Moreover, each participant can access a collaborative network contributed to thriving the growth of regenerative organic farming. Canadian Organic Growers will also develop an open-source manual available to any dryland oat farm that is interested in obtaining Regenerative Organic certification or implementing regenerative organic farming practices themselves.
Climate-conscious food choices can significantly reduce energy consumption, resonating numerous benefits for the future of our environment. In order to enact changes on a broader scale, policymakers must support and encourage sustainable lifestyles, such as taxing activities that generate huge amounts of emissions or fostering investments in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. At last, it is essential for all of us to raise our awareness regarding the environmental impact associated with our dietary choices and collectively embrace sustainable practices that can lead to a greener society.
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