Environmentally sustainable diets are a win-win for the planet and your health too. 

We can reduce our carbon footprint and help our planet by:

• Reducing red meat and having some meat free days every week
• Eating more plant foods
• Reducing food waste
• Moderating higher fat dairy foods

Work through these tips then decide what action you’ll take

An environmentally sustainable diet does not have to include meat or mean going vegan – you don’t have to remove meat and dairy completely.

• Shift to more plant foods like beans, lentils, nuts and meat alternatives such as 'mycoprotein' in place of animal food

Moderating our dairy intake also helps the planet.

• Prioritise lower fat and sugar dairy options such as milk and yoghurt over ice cream and desserts
• If you have plant-based alternatives, make sure to opt for fortified options with added calcium and iodine

Eating high fibre grains is best for the environment - and your health – because they’re nutritious

• Opt for wholemeal breads, bulgar wheat and wholegrain versions of pasta and cereals

Aim for your 5-a-day but keep it sustainable.

• Choose local and seasonal produce
• Reduce fruit and veg that have been flown in or grown in greenhouses
• Avoid prepped and packaged fruit, veg and salads
• Remember tinned and frozen count too

Overall food intake in the UK is too high, especially high calorie foods like biscuits, crisps, chocolate and takeaways which are less nutritious.

• Watch your portions and snacks to protect the planet – and your health too

Soft drinks and fruit juice are the third biggest contributor of dietary greenhouse gas emissions. Tap water remains our most sustainable source of hydration.

• Use refillable bottles 

Wasted food and drink is harmful to the environment because of all the land, water and energy used in its production. 

• 70% of food is wasted in the home so there is plenty we can do to control this