{"id":854,"date":"2018-06-15T14:45:01","date_gmt":"2018-06-15T19:45:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.edb.utexas.edu\/fit\/?p=854"},"modified":"2018-09-26T13:45:20","modified_gmt":"2018-09-26T18:45:20","slug":"make-your-table-more-sustainable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/sites.edb.utexas.edu\/fit\/make-your-table-more-sustainable\/","title":{"rendered":"Make Your Table More Sustainable"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The foods we eat play a large role not only in our health, but also on the planet\u2019s health. Growing, producing, and processing food often requires huge amounts of resources, energy, and space. Do you know what \u201csustainability\u201d even really means? Let\u2019s take a look.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The term \u201csustainability\u201d presumes that resources are finite, and therefore should be used conservatively and wisely. We have limited resources on Earth and need to think about extending their long-term usage for future generations. Sustainability is about making choices to ensure others will have the opportunity to thrive on this planet after us. When it comes to food, we can have bigger impacts than you think. Here are some ways you can make a difference.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Keep Food Close<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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On average, our food travels 1,019 miles for delivery and another 4,200 miles for supply-chain travel (1). All of that travel releases a lot<\/strong> of greenhouse gases through exhaust emissions! Two ways to circumvent this problem are to:<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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1) Buy loca<\/strong>l.<\/strong> Local food travels significantly fewer miles than food from far away.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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2) Grow your own food<\/strong>.<\/strong> If you grow your own food, the only distance your food will have to travel is from your garden to your kitchen.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Change Your Food Practices<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Meat and produce that is out of season both require more resources.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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  1. \n
    Beef production takes up \u2153 of the world\u2019s fresh water. Opt for plant-based proteins like tofu and nuts, which require less energy and resources to produce.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Foods that are \u201cin season\u201d in your area of the globe require less resources to thrive. Foods out of season must be imported from around the world or rely on heavy chemical\/resource use to end up at your grocery store. Seasonal foods are usually cheaper as well, since they are plentiful and easily grown during their season. Here\u2019s what\u2019s in season this time of the year according to the Texas Farmer\u2019s Market.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    January – March<\/strong><\/div>\n