Summary of Food for Thought:
As the holidays approach, planning for a sustainable celebration is important by considering our grocery list. Project Drawdown, an organization dedicated to fighting climate change, has rated “Reduced Food Waste” as the most impactful solution to keeping global temperature rise to a minimum. One-third of the world’s food goes uneaten, wasting land, water, and energy and contributing to carbon pollution. However, businesses like Imperfect Foods are trying to save this food from being thrown away.
While vegetables may not take center stage at the holiday table, it is essential to think about the environmental impact of meat. Raising cattle and bison on shortgrass prairies helps mimic the natural ecosystem and supports carbon absorption. It is suggested to pay a premium for local, grass-fed beef to support Colorado ranchers who protect the shortgrass prairie.
Whole animal butchers are also crucial in creating a sustainable food system. They work with local farms and aim for zero waste. Although the cost may be higher, the quality is worth it.
In conclusion, celebrating the season sustainably means paying the true cost of meat, including “ugly” vegetables, saving leftovers, and being grateful for the diverse wildlife that shares our planet.
Summary:
– Reduced food waste is the highest impact solution for climate change.
– Imperfect Foods is an online grocery store that saves food from landfills.
– Grass-fed beef supports the protection of shortgrass prairies.
– Whole animal butchers are crucial in creating a sustainable food system.
As we approach the holidays, let’s take a moment to reflect on the impact our grocery choices can have on the environment and the species we share this world with. Food is an integral part of our festivities, and it presents an excellent opportunity for us to consider ways to lighten our ecological footprint. According to Project Drawdown, one of the most effective solutions to combat the climate change crisis is reduced food waste. Minimizing our waste can help keep global temperature rising to 2ᵒF or less by 2100.
We live in a world where approximately one-third of all food produced is uneaten. When food is wasted, we squander valuable resources like land, water, and energy and release carbon pollution into the atmosphere. This is an alarming statistic, but thankfully, businesses like Imperfect Foods are stepping up to tackle this issue. Imperfect Foods is an online grocery store that rescues produce deemed unsellable due to deformities and delivers it directly to your door. With a whopping 172.5 million pounds of food diverted from landfills, Imperfect Foods is significantly reducing food waste.
While reducing food waste is crucial, let’s also consider the role of meat in our holiday celebrations. In most households, vegetables support the holiday table, with the main spotlight reserved for the roast beast. Here in Colorado, where half of our state is covered in shortgrass prairie, we have a unique opportunity to support the environment through our meat choices. The Nature Conservancy reminds us that prairie plants remove carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing it in their root systems. However, plowing these lands can lead to losing this vital carbon absorption process. Thankfully, raising cattle and bison on shortgrass prairies mimics the natural ecosystem, allowing these animals to turn grass, something we cannot directly consume, into beef, which we can. We can support Colorado ranchers committed to protecting the shortgrass prairie and its carbon-absorbing potential by choosing local, grass-fed beef.
To fully embrace a sustainable approach to meat consumption, we must also consider the importance of whole-animal butchers. These specialty butchers work primarily with local farms and purchase animals well in advance. Their ethos is not just about minimizing waste but eliminating it. Whole Animal Butchers are passionate about their craft and the environment, and their commitment to a no-waste philosophy benefits both consumers and the planet. Although the cost of meat from these butchers may be slightly higher than what you find in a chain grocery store, the quality and the knowledge that you support a sustainable food system are worth every penny.
So, as we prepare for the holiday season, let’s celebrate sustainably by paying the true cost of our meat, inviting some “ugly” vegetables to the table, and saving the leftovers for future meals. Remember to give thanks for the incredible world we live in, one that encompasses a breathtaking array of wildlife. By making conscious choices about our grocery list, we can ensure a festive and delicious holiday season and a sustainable one that respects and protects the species with whom we share this beautiful planet.
Bon Appétit and happy holidays!
