Can You Ever Become An Ethical Omnivore?

Can you really be an ethical omnivore? With new types of diets being introduced and flooded on our social media almost on a day-to-day basis, people are trying to switch to a more ethical mode of food consumption. Food production is essential for human survival, but when it comes at the cost of environment, it may rise concerns. With the rising population, increase in food demand, energy, water, and more has burdened the planet. This is why, it is important to think through when you consume something, and this is how emerged the concept of ethical omnivore.

Agricultural Land Use

As per a 2010 study titled Anthropogenic transformation of biomes, 1700 to 2000, agriculture approximately half of the world’s habitable land, making land use a critical factor in food sustainability. Livestock, especially cattle, lamb, and dairy production, use 77% of global farming land, while they provide only 18% of world's calories and 17% of the protein, notes another 2018 study titled Reducing food's environmental impacts through producers and consumers. This disproportionate land use contributes to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Fortunately, technological advancements in agriculture have increased crop yields, reducing the need to convert forests into farmland. Consumers can contribute to sustainability by supporting land preservation initiatives and advocating for responsible land use policies

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Another concern is the greenhouse gas emissions, which accounts for 25% when it comes to food production. The contributors are:

• Livestock and fisheries (31%)
• Crop production (27%)
• Land use (24%)
• The food supply chain (18%)

Livestock farming, particularly buff and dairy production, generates large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Choosing lower-emission foods like poultry over buff can significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint.

Using Water And Fertilizer

As per the 2004 study, titled Water Resources: Agricultural and Environmental Issues, agriculture consumes roughly 70% of global freshwater resources. Water-intensive foods include cheese, nuts, farmed fish, and dairy cows. More sustainable farming techniques, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and cultivating drought-resistant crops, can reduce water consumption. Consumers can contribute by supporting farms that implement water conservation practices.

Excess fertilizer use can lead to runoff, contaminating water bodies and disrupting ecosystems. Organic farming, while reducing synthetic chemicals, does not entirely eliminate this issue. However, organic foods tend to have lower pesticide residues than conventionally grown alternatives. Supporting agricultural practices such as cover cropping and tree planting can help manage runoff more effectively.

So, How Could You Eat In A More Sustainable Manner?

The best way is to eat locally. This is recommended as a top way to reduce one's carbon footprint. However, transportation accounts for only a small fraction of food’s total emissions. Instead, focusing on food choices—such as opting for poultry over beef—has a greater impact. For perishable foods like berries and green beans, choosing local sources can reduce emissions from air-freighting.

It is also beneficial if you keep your meat consumption at low to moderate levels, as red meat has the highest carbon footprint among all animal meets, producing up to 60kg of CO2 per kg of meat. Incorporate more plant-based protein sources like tofu, beans, quinoa, and nuts. These have a much lower carbon footprints.

Other ways to lower carbon footprint is by reducing food waste. How to do it?

Buy frozen fruits and vegetables if not using them immediately

• Choose vacuum-sealed frozen fish
• Use all edible parts of produce
• Plan meals to prevent over-purchasing
• Store food properly to extend shelf life
• Get creative with leftovers