Debunking 5 Common Myths About Eco-Friendly Eating
"Meat's eco-footprint is exaggerated"
Animal husbandry is highly damaging to the environment, with significant emissions, resource use, and pollution. Reducing animal-based foods, especially beef, is the most impactful way to lower your dietary ecological footprint.
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"Organic and local always equals sustainable"
Organic and local food are often seen as sustainable, but nuances matter. Organic tomatoes can have higher impacts, and local greenhouse-grown produce may require more energy.
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"What is natural is good"
Humans often view "natural" as inherently good, leading to skepticism of GM crops. However, GM varieties can boost sustainability by increasing yields and reducing pesticides. Novel food technologies should be judged on environmental impact, not perceived unnaturalness.
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"Good for me, good for the planet"
Healthy foods are often assumed to be automatically eco-friendly. However, a food's nutritional quality and its environmental impact aren't necessarily related.
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"Conserving the planet requires breaking the budget"
Scientific calculations reveal that more sustainable diets are cheaper than current Western diets. In high-income countries, plant-based diets are the most affordable, with vegans and vegetarians cutting food costs by up to one-third.