What we eat has a large impact on our environment. Our global food system is responsible for 25-30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. This includes growing and producing food, as well as processing, packaging and transporting foods all over the world.
Since everyone eats, we are all part of this food system. That means we can also make food choices that help our planet. Luckily, many foods that support our health are also climate friendly.
Food choices make a big impact on your health and the environment. It can be overwhelming to think about, but start where you can. Pick one small change and try to stick with it.
What you can do |
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Composting |
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What is composting? Composting is a biological process where organic matter (e.g., fruit and vegetable scraps, paper, dry leaves) decomposes into a soil-like product called ‘compost’. Compost is enriched with key nutrients that many plants and other organisms require. Why is composting important? Composting recycles 30 – 50% of organic matter from household garbage and reduces waste that ends up in the landfill. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions overall and helps to minimize environmental impact. Composting demonstrates commitment to addressing climate change and using socially accountable and sustainable organizational practices. Protecting the land and water in this area is also part of our obligation as signatories of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. Many Indigenous scholars and activists have stated that reconciliation starts with the land and water, who have been colonized in the same way as people. Actions to mitigate climate change and land/water degradation align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). UNDRIP is a human rights framework that sets out the rights of Indigenous peoples around the world. Composting Tips!
Composting Poster More information on Composting: |
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Climate-friendly recipes |
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General Resources |
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Love Food Hate Waste: This campaign hopes to inspire and empower people in Canada to make their food go further and waste less. Canada’s Food Guide: This website has information and tools about meal planning, cooking, and choosing healthy foods. Rock What You’ve Got: This online cookbook has lots of recipes to help prevent food waste. Wasteless Resources: This webpage provides downloadable resources for households to reduce food waste, including a grocery list, weekly meal planner, and freezer inventory tracker. |
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School Resources |
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