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A Beginner’s Guide To Eating More Sustainably

Updated: Jul 27, 2022



Looking for ways to create a more sustainable future? Today’s children inherit a planet that has been severely degraded. Certain food is threatening both people and the planet which makes the number one challenge being - providing a growing population with a sustainable food system.


Global food production threatens climate stability, ecosystems resilience and is the single largest driver of environmental degradation and transgression. The environmental impacts of an individual's diet is detrimental to the Earth’s systems. A plant-based rich diet conveys both improved health and environmental benefits (a win-win).


With the world transitioning towards a sustainable food production it has shifted land to the net source of carbon to becoming a net sink of carbon. Greenhouse gas emissions trap eat in the atmosphere, damaging the ozone layer which is the contributing factor to global warming. A plant-based diet has the means of reductions in food loss and waste. The agricultural revolution of plant-based meat has entailed a 75% reduction on current cropland, fertilizer, water efficiency and global use of nitrogen and phosphorus. This has allowed us to protect 50% of the Earth’s intact ecosystems. Overall actions have also improved post-harvest infrastructure, food transport, processing and packing.


As food is the defining issue of the 21st century, unlocking the potential of a plant-based diet will be the catalyst of achieving a progressive food system, environmental sustainability and improved health.

What is a sustainable diet? A sustainable diet involves eating food that is produced in a way that protects the environment. This means it has low impact on biodiversity, ecosystems and natural resources. Every small step leads to a big difference!

Here are 7 tips for eating more sustainably:


1. Reduce your meat consumption and eat more plants


Animals take up 70% of all agricultural land causing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions significantly exceed vegetable protein agriculture. The production of plant proteins requires 100 times less water than producing animal proteins. Raising cattle creates about 75kg of emissions for every kilo of beef that hits your grill, which is 28 times more than it takes to grow a kilo of wheat. If you are interested in swapping out animal meat for at least one night a week – our plant-based MEET takes the hassle out of cooking. Where do I get my protein from? You may ask. Our plant protein comes from soy and wheat which is naturally high in protein and contains amino acids like those in animal meat. You can purchase MEET today at Coles Supermarkets, Independents and via HelloFresh or try MEET on a menu today.

2. Buy Local

Purchasing produce that is locally grown can reduce energy usage, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and use fewer resources than foods transported.

3. Buy in season

Seasonal produce in season has many benefits including shorter distances traveled as out of season produce can be imported from other countries therefore uses less fuel. Out of season produce also may require high energy heating and lighting to grow in unnatural conditions.


4. Buy in bulk

Buying in bulk at the grocery store can reduce excessive packaging waste which will save the energy and resources. Using re-useable bags will also minimise this.

5. Reduce food waste

Food production uses the largest amount of energy, water, fertilizer, land and fuel. Did you know – 1/3 of food produced in the world goes to waste? Once it goes to landfill it contributes to land, water and air pollution.

6. Reduce, Reuse and Repurpose


Reducing your waste is highly important. A few tips to reuse and repurpose may be using a reusable drink bottle, cutlery and containers. This reduces single use plastics. You also can repurpose glass containers from sauces and condiments.

7. Compost

Composting keeps food out of landfill turning food into organic waste that becomes a nutrient-rich fertilizer for the garden.

Try MEET Today!

MEET has a taste and texture that replicates conventional meat. So close in fact, you can swap

MEET into any dish you already know and love, or you could take a peek at our recipe section for some inspo.


Want to know more? Visit our website here.

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