As we embark on the new year, a collective consciousness about sustainability in the food industry takes center stage. In an effort to address the pressing issues of climate change, food waste, and environmental impact, here are 21 food sustainability resolutions for 2024 that encourage mindful consumption and collective action:
21 Food Sustainability Resolutions for 2024
1. Moderate Beef Consumption: A Climate-Conscious Choice
Acknowledging the cultural and personal connections to food, consider reducing beef intake due to its substantial climate impact. A small shift, such as substituting one weekly beef serving with chicken, can contribute to saving 0.71 tons of CO2 annually per person.
2. Active Participation in Local Elections
Recognizing that individual consumption changes alone may not rectify our broken food system, actively engage in local elections. Advocate for representatives who align with your concerns, be it food waste, agribusiness subsidies, or farm worker protections, to influence policy changes.
3. Transition to Electric Stoves for Health and Environment
Swap gas stoves for electric alternatives to improve both human health and the environment. Utilize tools like Rewiring America’s IRA calculator to explore potential rebates for making this transition.
4. Organize a Kitchen Gadget Swap
Facilitate a gadget swap among friends to breathe new life into unused kitchen tools, reducing unnecessary purchases and promoting sustainability without spending money.
5. Combat Food Waste through Proper Storage
Approximately 40% of food waste occurs at home. Combat this by learning proper storage techniques to extend the lifespan of perishables. Resources like savethefood.com offer valuable tips on minimizing food waste.
6. Civic Engagement Beyond Election Seasons
Contribute to sustainability decisions at a systemic level by joining local boards addressing solid waste or testifying before city councils on issues like gas stove dependence in apartment buildings.
7. Advocate Against Food Waste: Dumpster Diving and Beyond
Challenge food waste by exploring alternatives such as dumpster diving, as well as advocating for businesses to donate unsold but edible items to local food banks.
8. Embrace Reusables Beyond Bottles and Mugs
Combat low recycling rates by incorporating reusable utensils and food containers into daily life, reducing dependence on single-use items.
9. Experiment with Sustainable Ingredients and Recipes
Dedicate time to experimenting with climate-resilient ingredients like kelp, amaranth, or cricket powder, discovering recipes that make sustainable eating enjoyable.
10. Transform Leftovers and Minimize Food Waste
Opt for asking for a takeaway box when dining out, transforming leftovers into new dishes. Freeze portions to enjoy later, reducing the likelihood of repetitive meals.
11. Continued Learning: Stay Informed on Food Systems and Climate Change
Commit to staying informed by reading books or watching documentaries on food systems, waste, or climate change. Recommendations include “Farming While Black” and “The One-Straw Revolution.”
12. Engage with Representatives on the Farm Bill
Recognize the farm bill’s pivotal role in climate-related issues, influencing land use, methane emissions, and pollution. Contact representatives to express preferences for provisions in the bill.
13. Shift Towards Plant-Based Diets
While beef has a significant climate impact, other animal products like cheese contribute as well. Gradually incorporate plant- and mushroom-based dishes into your diet for a positive environmental impact.
14. Volunteer Locally for Food-Related Causes
Offer time to local food pantries, urban farms, or food sovereignty-focused organizations, addressing immediate needs within the community.
15. Initiate Composting Practices
Contribute to reducing methane emissions by starting a compost system at home or exploring community compost drop-offs.
16. Choose Glass or Aluminum Over Plastic
Combat plastic waste by selecting items in glass or aluminum, materials with higher recycling rates in the US.
17. Utilize Food Scraps for Natural Dyes
Explore creative uses for kitchen scraps and peels, such as using avocado pits, onion skins, and pomegranate rinds for DIY natural dye projects.
18. Advocate for Climate-Friendly Refrigerants
Check if local supermarkets use climate-friendly refrigerants, advocating for more sustainable options to mitigate the environmental impact.
19. Plan Grocery Shopping Mindfully
Minimize overbuying and subsequent food waste by creating a meal plan and grocery list at home, avoiding unnecessary purchases.
20. Create Pollinator Habitat for Biodiversity
Support animal pollinators by limiting pesticide use, planting diverse native plants, or installing bat boxes to preserve essential but often overlooked pollinators.
21. Prioritize Collective Action over Individual Change
Recognize the importance of collective efforts in shifting unsustainable food systems. Prioritize actions that lead to systemic change rather than individual moral purity.
By embracing these resolutions, individuals can actively contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient food ecosystem in 2024 and beyond.