The Climatarian Diet: Eat More Sustainably With Science-Based Tactics

More people seek ways to reduce their environmental impact with heightened concerns around global warming – and rightfully so. According to a recent survey of 88,125 climate studies, over 99.9% provide evidence of human-induced climate change.

While shopping with reusable bags and improving your home's energy efficiency are ideal measures you can take to reduce emissions and waste, following a "climatarian diet" is also highly beneficial.

Most diets aim to improve personal health. However, climatarianism focuses on sustainable eating for the health of the planet. Fortunately, it's a wholesome, cleaner meal plan for you, too. Here is everything eco-conscious individuals should know about the climatarian diet.

What Is Climatarianism?

Those looking for a climatarian diet definition may find it best to think of climatarianism as consuming foods with little to no environmental impact. Currently, food production accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions – 31% from livestock, 27% from crop production, and 18% from supply chains.

The climatarian diet requires an awareness of how foods are cultivated, manufactured, and transported, making it easier to avoid those that:

●      Utilize precious natural resources

●      Emit pollutants into the environment

●      Produce ample greenhouse gas emissions

●      Cause ocean acidification

●      Use unnecessary non-biodegradable packaging

Sustainable eating also has significant benefits for your health. A 2019 study found a link between the foods with the least environmental impact and decreased mortality risk from heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer.

5 Best Foods for Sustainable Eating

You might be wondering what foods you should eat on a climatarian diet. These five foods are perhaps the most sustainable options to get you started.

1.   Local, Seasonal Produce

Locally grown, seasonal produce is conducive to climatarianism. A study conducted by Iowa State University scientists found that small-scale, local vegetable production creates less than half the emissions of the large-scale output and uses only 10% of the water of standard food systems.

Local farmers also grow their produce organically without harmful pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

2.   Legumes and Beans

Legumes and beans are some of the most sustainable foods in a climatarian diet due to their role in soil fertility. Legume production restores soil matter and prevents pests and fungi when used in crop rotations. Fewer pests and diseases require fewer toxic pesticides and fertilizers.

Legumes and beans are also excellent protein sources for plant-based dieters and are very versatile. For instance, you can make salads, plant-based grain and lentil bowls, and even delicious soups with simple ingredients.

A piping hot soup with cannellini beans and farro is a filling and satisfying meal to appease your tastebuds. The best part is that an immersion blender can deliver a creamier texture without using dairy. This is critical since dairy farms contribute 19-24% of gaseous ammonia (NH3) emissions in the United States.

3.   Mushrooms

Mushrooms stand out from other types of produce as a sustainable climatarian staple. For one thing, mushrooms are fungi and can grow in agricultural organic waste.

Without proper management, careless discarding of agricultural, forest, and food waste often leads to environmental pollution and health implications. However, mushroom cultivation naturally recycles complex organic matter and absorbs nutrients for optimal growth. In turn, this reduces chemicals and landfill waste.

Mushrooms also require less water and soil to grow. For instance, the Mushroom Council states that it only takes 1.8 gallons of water to cultivate a pound of mushrooms, while farmers can produce millions of pounds of mushrooms in only a few acres of composted land.

4.   Whole Grains

Water is an over-exploited resource in food production. Considering beef uses 15,415 liters of water for 1 kilogram of food – compared to the 1,644 liters of water needed for 1 kilogram of cereals – whole grains are a more sustainable option for a climatarian diet.

According to the Whole Grains Council's 2021 Whole Grains Consumer Insights Survey, two-thirds of consumers consider whole grains environmentally friendly and 19% opt for whole grains for sustainability reasons – an increase of 7% from the 2018 survey.

5.   Nuts and Seeds

Since most climatarians cut back or eliminate animal protein from their diet, finding plant-based protein sources is essential for your health and well-being.

Consuming more nuts and seeds – for example, walnuts and sunflower seeds – can account for 10% of your suggested daily protein intake and improve environmental impacts by 23%.

However, not all nuts are created equal. Research shows that the production of peanuts, chestnuts, and almonds has large water footprints. In fact, cashew nuts require 45,914 liters of water per kilogram – the most of any nut.

Other Ways to Practice Environmental Sustainability

Of course, climatarianism isn't the only way to live more environmentally friendly. In addition to eating a climatarian diet, you should try to follow these sustainable practices:

●      Wash your car at car washes to prevent runoff.

●      Reuse plastic jugs, such as an empty gallon bottle for watering plants.

●      Start a compost bin of leftover food and yard trimmings.

●      Ride your bike or walk instead of driving.

●      Bring a reusable travel mug or cup when you're on the go.

●      Only wash dishes and laundry with a full load.

Additionally, it's now easier than ever to purchase biodegradable and environmentally safe cleaning products with few negative impacts on the natural world. Chemical waste dumping can have detrimental effects on wildlife and surrounding ecosystems.

If the environmental implications of cleaners aren't enough to convince you to make the switch, a recent study found that people breathe about 1 billion to 10 billion nanoparticles per minute of hazardous chemicals when mopping the floor, which is equal to car traffic emissions on a busy street.

Climatarianism: A Sustainable Choice for Eco-Friendly Foodies

Climatarianism may be a different approach to eating than conventional diets. However, eco-conscious individuals can rest assured that their environmental impact is significantly lower than if they continued following their regular meal plans.

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As a Home & Soul Stylist at LoveMoreClutterLess, Beth is a warrior for change; guiding women to reclaim their power through Professional Organizing, Styling & Guided Hypnotherapy. Certified Coach & Self-Helper. Vintage Lover. Home Stylist. Moving Meditator. Furniture Refinisher. Gypsy Soul. Plant Mama.