Description
Information from external sources on eating low GHG diets can be both confusing and contradictory, as it varies greatly depending on where you live. Local resources must be developed in culturally sensitive ways, and made easily accessible, to guide our community in how we can choose sustainable/low GHG eating habits. This includes plant-based diets, information on personal and community gardens, urban agriculture, and even local foraging.
This action will be led by Region of Waterloo Public Health. Please see below for the most recent publicly available updates.
Region of Waterloo Public Health has provided key guidance on promoting sustainable eating habits to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Here are some highlights:
- Eat more plants: Incorporate more plant-based foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and tofu into meals.
- Reduce meat and dairy consumption: Limit high-impact foods such as beef and lamb.
- Minimize food waste: Use leftovers, compost food scraps, and explore green bin programs to prevent waste.
Additionally, educational campaigns will align with the Canada’s Food Guide recommendation: “An eating pattern higher in plant-based foods and lower in animal-based foods can decrease the negative impact of food on the environment.”
Planned Actions:
- Updates to Public Health's website in 2025 will include resources on food and the environment.
- Public Health recommends emphasizing plant-based diets over local food, as plant-based choices have a more significant GHG impact reduction.
Resources:
Public Health has shared useful tools and initiatives for businesses, organizations, and communities:
- Businesses:
- Second Harvest: Food waste reduction and diversion.
- Too Good to Go: Reducing food waste through app-based surplus food sales.
- Cool Food Pledge: Supporting organizations to reduce their food-related GHG emissions.
- LEAF Certification: Certification for sustainable restaurants.
- Communities:
- Tips to reduce food waste: Waste Less - Half Your Plate.
- Sustainable eating infographic: Drawdown Dietetics.
These resources will help guide the community toward sustainable eating habits and achieving TransformWR's goals.
