Food Guidelines for a Sustainable Environment
The consideration of the sustainability of our food supply is recognised as an area that needs addressing. With our Food Guidelines for a Sustainable Environment, you can lead the way in recommending environmentally-sound practices to your clients.
The following guidelines have been developed by a group of comunity nutriitonists working within Queensland Health. They are based on an extensive literature review of the available research. You can also choose to download and read the full version of the Food Guidelines for a Sustainable Environment that includes accompanying rationale and background information.
The overall guiding statement of the Food Guidelines for a Sustainable Environment is:
Choose food wisely by selecting environmentally friendly and ethical food choices
Environmental Considerations
1. Avoid overconsumption2. Select foods that minimise your carbon footprint
2.1. Minimise your food miles
2.2. Choose fresh or minimally processed foods
2.3. Choose more sustainable protein sources
2.4. Choose organic food and drink products where possible
2.5. Be aware of the environmental impacts of purchasing alcohol
3. Consider the environment when preparing foods
3.1. Conserve water
3.2. Use energy efficient kitchen appliances
4. Reduce your contribution to landfill associated with food
4.1. Don’t purchase more than you need
4.2. Choose foods with minimal or no packaging
4.3. Drink tap water or plain, filtered water in preference to purchased bottled water or other drinks
4.4. Reuse and recycle as much as possible
4.5. Compost your food waste
5. Encourage and support breastfeeding
Ethical Considerations
6. Purchase Fair Trade items when no local product is available7. Consider the effects of your food purchases on the wellbeing of animals