What exactly is sustainable eating? We hear about sustainable eating often, especially around April due to Earth day. Sustainable eating entails picking whole foods that are healthful to our bodies while also healthful for the environment. This way of eating not only helps you stay healthy but it also has an impact on keeping our Earth healthy and happy too.

So why is sustainable eating important? Many people that eat in a more sustainable way also live a more sustainable lifestyle including recycling plastic, glass, and paper, compost organic waste, shop with reusable bags, and prefer shared transportation or fuel efficient cars. All these things help reduce toxic emissions in our air and help reduce the destruction caused on our planet.

How you can eat more sustainable:

  • Reduce consumption of red meat (especially beef)
  • Incorporate plant protein options such as:
    • Chickpeas
    • Lentils
    • Nuts
  • Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables over processed foods
  • Buy locally
    • Farmers Markets
    • Local Markets
  • Reduce food waste
    • Freeze food
    • Eat leftovers
    • Reduce the amount of food being made/purchased
  • Pass on plastic
    • Reusable Bags
    • Purchase products made out of glass
  • Eat what is in season

Sustainable eating is another way of eating a whole foods diet. Meaning, eating food that is minimally processed such as fruits and vegetables, potatoes, and nuts/seeds. Not only will eating sustainably help our beautiful Earth, it will make you feel amazing because your body will be flooded with nutrients. When your body gets the nutrients it needs, in turn your body will function as it is programmed to.

Look for these sustainable options on campus:

Retail Good to Go Program:

  • Chickpeas
  • Vegan ‘Chicken’ Breast
  • Fruit Cups
  • Vegetable Cups

Dining Locations:

  • Salad Bar
  • Cooked Vegetables
  • Look for our Vegan symbol:

– Rachael Omdoll, Campus Dietitian