5 Ways To Shop & Eat More Sustainably

This post is in paid partnership

Spring is a brilliant time to create new habits. Whether that's swapping to a planet-based milk-alternative, doing #MeatlessMondays, or buying more organic produce - there are so many delicious ways to make positive changes. 

One way you might like to increase your plant-based consumption is to try delicious coco-milk chocolate. We're big fans of Ombar, and we think you'll be too.

Ombar chocolate are plant-based pioneers with a passion for sustainability. They’re on a mission to make delicious food that is good for people and the planet.

We asked what they think are the top five ways consumers to ‘do their part’ for the planet, while enjoying the food they love.

Know your purchase-power

An increased demand for plant-based alternatives from consumers has resulted in restaurants and supermarkets offering more vegan options. 

When you take small steps to minimise meat consumption and increase the number of plants in your diet, you are making a positive change for the planet. One person eating vegan just one day per week saves approximately 40lbs of grain, 1100 gallons of water, 20 lbs of CO2, 30 square foot of forest, and one animal![1] 

So, when you spend more on plant-based food, you're using your spending-power to signal to those in the food industry what consumers want.  This trend is expected to rise and we can expect to see more and more innovative plant-based products on our shelves soon![2]

Buy more organic produce

Buying organic foods is one way to support environmentally conscious farmers.  Conventional, mass-farming methods have been linked to biodiversity loss and soil degradation. Organic farming methods, that work with nature are better for the environment, ensuring ecosystems local floral and insects are preserved.  In the UK, look out for Organic certifications from the Organic Food Federation, Soil Association, Organic Farmers & Growers and Quality Welsh Food Certification Ltd.[3] If you find references to one of these organisations on the packaging of your food, it means it has been certified by a government approved control body, so you can trust that their practices are protecting the environment.

Shop fair trade foods

When something is certified as fair trade (such as Fair For Life), it means that it has been sourced and produced ethically and sustainably. Locating a Fair Trade stamp on your favourite products’ packaging means everyone involved in its production are working in safe conditions, for a fair wage. Fair trade also encourages local sustainability in less economically developed areas where food is often produced for the UK. Fair Trade encourages more investment in education, empowering women in leadership and job security.  

Prioritise higher nutritional values

A sustainable diet should be packed full of colourful, nutritious, and tasty fruits and vegetables. Research shows that nutrient dense food, grown by small organic farms is good not only for your body, but also for the planet. The cultivation of animal products and less nutrient-dense products such as sugar require a huge amount of land, water and fertilisers. The production of these things is linked to pollution, carbon emissions and deforestation. Organic fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, fibre and energy – all vital as part of a healthy, balanced diet and when produced locally and organically, have a lower environmental impact. That’s a win-win!

Reduce food waste

UK households and businesses throw away around 9.5 million tonnes of food waste in a single year, despite 8.4 million people being in food poverty. Most of food waste ends up in overcrowded landfills.[4] Food waste releases methane gas as it degrades in these landfill sites, which contributes to global warming. Everyone can take simple steps to minimise food waste; by pre-planning meals so you know what fresh produce to buy and when, by cooking and freezing meals in bulk, setting up a compost heap in your garden, and monitoring the size of your meals. These small changes have a big impact on our planet.