Save the World with the Climatarian Diet

The way we eat has a profound impact on both our health and the planet. With climate change becoming an increasingly pressing issue, many people are searching for ways to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. Enter the climatarian diet—an innovative approach that focuses not just on what you eat, but also on how those food choices affect carbon emissions. By prioritizing foods with lower environmental footprints, this diet offers a delicious path toward a healthier lifestyle while contributing positively to the world around us. Learn how to get started eating healthier for yourself and the planet!

What is the Climatarian Diet?

The climatarian diet is a way of eating that focuses on sustainability to reduce the impact food production has on the environment. It "prioritizes the environment by taking note of how foods are produced, processed, and shipped to their final destinations," opting for locally sourced, seasonal, and minimally processed foods, according to Eating Climatarian. This diet also encourages a reduced intake of animal products to encourage people to think about the climate impacts of their food choices.

Unlike veganism or vegetarianism, which fully eliminate certain animal products, the climatarian diet allows for mindful consumption, meaning you can enjoy meat or dairy occasionally if it's produced sustainably. Foods like beans, lentils, and other plant-based proteins are prioritized, while heavily processed foods and those with high greenhouse gas emissions are often avoided.

By adopting a climatarian diet, you can boost your health while also caring for the environment. This way of eating not only supports personal wellness but also addresses ethical concerns about food production.

What are the Environmental Benefits of the Climatarian Diet?

By choosing to eat less red meat and more plant-based foods, people can help reduce their carbon footprint and lessen the impact on the environment on a Climatarian diet. This diet not only includes tasty vegetables, grains, and fruits but also encourages the selection of locally-sourced and seasonal products. By making these choices, we can support sustainable farming practices, reduce waste, and help preserve natural resources like water and land. Read on to see how our food choices can make a positive difference for the Earth.

A Climatarian Diet Reduces your Carbon Footprint and Cuts Down on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Our food choices have a big impact on greenhouse gas emissions and the environment. Did you know that about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions come from what we eat? Much of this is due to animal agriculture and the food industry, especially from red meat production. Additionally, food waste and plastic packaging add to this problem, as wasted food produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, and plastic harms our planet.

Adopting a climatarian diet can help cut down your carbon footprint. By focusing on plant-based foods, avoiding factory-farmed red meat, and choosing local and seasonal foods, we can significantly lower food-related emissions. Consuming less animal protein and buying local food also saves valuable resources like water, energy, and fuel.

You can further reduce your impact by minimizing food waste and avoiding excess plastic packaging. Remember, buying imperfect foods can be just as nutritious and helps reduce unnecessary waste. Every little choice matters in lessening our environmental impact.

A Climatarian Diet helps save water and land

Did you know that it takes significantly more water and land to produce animal-based foods than it does for plants? In fact, "one-third (34%) of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions are caused by agriculture and food systems" (Forbes). For example, raising livestock needs a lot of water for both the animals and their feed. By choosing more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, we can greatly reduce our water consumption and help conserve this precious resource. A climatarian diet focuses on eating mostly plant-based foods, which helps save both water and land.

Eating local and seasonal foods also plays a big part in efficient land use. When we choose to buy produce that's grown nearby and in season, it doesn't require as much irrigation or excess emissions from transporting the food from abroad, since most food “is transported by sea, which produces the highest carbon footprint of transportation methods," according to Science.org. This means less pressure on our water resources and more habitable land available for other uses.

A Climatarian Diet reduces food waste by focusing on local and seasonal produce

Adopting a climatarian diet helps reduce food waste as well. When we focus on local and seasonal foods, we can buy just what we need, leading to less spoiled food in our kitchens. Less waste means less trash in landfills and fewer resources used to produce food that goes uneaten. By making these small changes, we can save resources and protect the environment while enjoying delicious meals!

A Climatarian Diet Reduces Plastic Packaging Waste

Climate-friendly diets are a great way to reduce plastic packaging waste while also being climate-friendly! This diet focuses on choosing foods that have minimal environmental impact, especially when it comes to packaging. By selecting products with little or eco-friendly packaging, or going for bulk and package-free options, you can help reduce unnecessary packaging that ends up in our landfills and oceans.

When you shop, think about bringing reusable containers and bags. These not only help cut down on plastic but also keep your food fresh. Supporting businesses that use sustainable packaging solutions is another fantastic way to make a difference. Many stores are beginning to offer more eco-friendly options, so keep an eye out for those!

What are the Health Benefits of the Climatarian Diet?

The Climatarian Diet is not just about what’s good for you—it's also good for the planet! By focusing on eating foods that have a lower impact on the environment, like seasonal fruits, vegetables, and locally sourced foods, this diet promotes healthier eating habits while helping to reduce climate change. The Climatarian Diet encourages people to reduce their processed food and meat consumption, which can have positive effects on our health, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and obesity. In addition to being mindful of our food choices, this diet also helps to create a sustainable future.

Lower Blood Pressure Levels

A sustainable diet not only helps our planet but can also lead to lower blood pressure levels, providing both cost savings and health benefits. Vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian are plant-based diets, which are known to improve cardiovascular health. These diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, all of which can significantly reduce high blood pressure.

Foods like leafy greens, berries, bananas, and nuts contain essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and fiber that help keep our blood pressure in check. By making healthier lifestyle choices and switching to a sustainable diet, you can enjoy these tasty vegan foods while also feeling better overall.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Other Chronic Diseases

A climate-friendly diet focuses on eating whole, unprocessed plant-based foods, which can greatly reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. By filling your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, you're not just making a climate-friendly choice, but also a heart-healthy one.

These foods are packed with antioxidants, fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidants help fight inflammation, which is linked to major health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Fiber supports digestion and keeps you full longer, which can also help in maintaining a balanced diet.

Studies show that people eating plenty of plants benefit from a decreased risk of chronic health problems, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke (NIH). By avoiding processed and packaged items, you focus on nourishing foods that lower your chances of developing these serious conditions. 

Climate-Friendly Foods to Include and Limit on a Climatarian Diet

If you want to help the environment while enjoying delicious food, consider a climatarian diet incorporating lots of plant-based options like seasonal vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and sustainable seafood such as oysters and seaweed. Eating locally and seasonally is important because it cuts down on carbon emissions, supporting regenerative farming systems that help our planet. There's an array of tasty climatarian recipes that you can include in your weekly meal plans, too.

On the flip side, there are certain foods that climatarian diets often avoid because of their negative environmental impact. These include beef, lamb, dairy products, air-freighted foods, and items with excessive packaging. These choices can lead to environmental degradation, as beef and lamb production is highly resource-intensive. In fact, swapping just 10 percent of your daily intake from beef and processed meat for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes could lower your food-based carbon footprint by 33 percent (Nature). By focusing on plant-based protein sources like pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, we can all help reduce our carbon footprint and eat sustainably!

Conclusion

Adopting a climatarian diet is a great way to make a positive impact on our planet while also benefiting your health. By focusing on sustainable foods, you can reduce your carbon footprint significantly. This means choosing more plant-based options and cutting back on high-impact foods like beef and dairy. Just a simple diet shift can help you contribute to the fight against climate change!

Eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes not only lowers greenhouse gases but also offers health perks like improved heart health and increased energy levels. Plus, with seasonal menus, like the ones at Bolay, you can enjoy delicious meals that are both easy on the environment and good for you.

So why not explore the climate-friendly options available? Check out our seasonal menu for tasty ideas on how to enjoy a climatarian diet while making a difference! 

Climatarian Diet FAQs

Are you curious about the Climatarian Diet and how it can help the environment? Read through these frequently asked questions to learn more about what it is, why it's important, and how you can start incorporating it into your life.

How does a climatarian diet differ from a vegan diet?

A climatarian diet and a vegan diet are both focused on making food choices that help the environment, but they differ in important ways. While a vegan diet eliminates all animal products—meat, dairy, and eggs—a climatarian diet takes a more flexible approach. It focuses on the environmental impact of foods, allowing for responsibly sourced animal products when they have a lower carbon footprint.

For example, climatarian eaters might include eggs from local farms or fish caught sustainably, while vegan diets avoid these entirely. Climatarian diets also consider processed foods that can be sustainable, such as certain types of chocolate or pasta, as long as they’re made with eco-friendly practices.

On the flip side, climatarian dieters often avoid resource-intensive foods, like almond milk and palm oil, which can harm the environment. This careful selection of foods makes the climatarian diet a more adaptable option, allowing individuals to still enjoy a variety of foods while keeping sustainability in mind. Overall, both diets aim to reduce environmental impact, but climatarian eaters have the flexibility to choose what works best for them.

What does a climatarian eat?

A climatarian diet focuses on eating foods that are good for the planet while providing essential nutrients. This diet emphasizes sustainably produced foods that have a low environmental impact, and "there are several 'climate-friendly' diets to choose from" (PNAS). Common foods you might find in a climatarian diet include:

• Lentils: Packed with protein, lentils help in carbon sequestration by enriching the soil.
• Beans: Like lentils, beans are a great source of protein and help improve soil health.
• Mussels, clams, and oysters: These shellfish are farmed sustainably and can actually help clean oceans while absorbing carbon.
• Organic tofu: A versatile protein made from soybeans, it's produced in eco-friendly ways.
• Seaweed: This marine plant absorbs carbon from the ocean while providing nutrients, and is also one of the fastest growing marine plants.
• Local vegetables: Eating veggies that are grown near you reduces transportation emissions and supports local farmers.

How much meat can you eat on the climatarian diet?

The climatarian diet focuses on reducing meat and dairy consumption to help lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Food and Agriculture Association of the United Nations states "meat and dairy specifically accounts for around 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions". This is significant because it shows how our choices can impact the planet.

On a climatarian diet, you don’t have to completely give up meat; instead, it's about balance. You can adopt a flexitarian approach, which means substituting three-quarters of your meat and dairy intake with climate-friendly options like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains. This way, you enjoy meat in moderation while making a positive environmental impact.

Can you be a climate activist and still eat meat?

Yes, you can be a climate activist and still eat meat! It's all about moderation and making thoughtful choices. Nutritionists often say that we don’t have to completely eliminate meat from our diets to meet our protein needs. Instead, focusing on moderation can help us enjoy meat while minimizing its environmental impact.

One popular approach is the Climatarian diet, which encourages people to reduce their meat intake rather than cut it out entirely. This means choosing to eat less meat and incorporating more locally sourced, plant foods into your meals. By doing this, you’re supporting sustainable eating practices that are better for our planet.

Some people even identify as "climate carnivores," meaning they consume meat responsibly—selecting options that are sustainable and ethically sourced. So, if you care about the planet, remember that every small step counts. By being mindful of your choices and finding a balance in your diet, you can be a climate activist and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.

Sources

“Eating Climatarian” - Climatarian

“Environmental Impacts of Food Production” - Hannah Ritchie, Pablo Rosado and Max Roser

“How Much Does Our Food Contribute To Global Warming? New Research Reveals All” - David Vetter

“Reducing food’s environmental impacts through producers and consumers” - J. Poore and T. Nemecek

“The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals” - Winston J Craig, Ann Reed Mangels, Ujué Fresán, Kate Marsh, Fayth L Miles, Angela V Saunders, Ella H Haddad, Celine E Heskey, Patricia Johnston, Enette Larson-Meyer, Michael Orlich

“A Day of Climatarian Recipes" - AlterEco Foods

“Small targeted dietary changes can yield substantial gains for human health and the environment” - Katerina S. Stylianou, Victor L. Fulgoni III & Olivier Jolliet 

“Analysis and valuation of the health and climate change cobenefits of dietary change” - Marco Springmann, H. Charles J. Godfray, Mike Rayner, and Peter Scarborough