Sustainable food... is good for your health!

The impact of our diet

We often hear that we should change our diet for the sake of the planet. And for good reason: food represents a quarter of France's greenhouse gas emissions. On an individual scale, it is the second-largest source of carbon emissions after transportation. When it comes to the water footprint, it is even more significant: food represents two-thirds of our total water consumption. Every day, several thousand liters of water are needed to produce the food we consume.

As always, averages hide disparities. The carbon footprint of food can range from 500 to 2,500 kgCO2e per year, a fivefold difference! As for the water footprint, it can vary from 500 to 2,000 liters per day, thus up to four times as much.

There is every reason to take action! But for once, we won’t tell you to do it just to reduce your environmental footprint.

A sustainable diet for a healthy body

Since diet and health go hand in hand, let’s look at the latest recommendations from Santé Publique France to adopt a healthy diet.

Increase consumption of fiber-rich plant-based foods

What does this include? Fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

Good news: these are the champions of low carbon and water footprints! You can eat as many plant-based foods as you like (as long as they are local and in season!).

Prioritize omega-3-rich foods

What does this include? Nuts, fish (including fatty fish once or twice a week), and olive oil.

If your fish consumption is reasonable and you choose sustainably sourced fish, these recommendations align perfectly with efforts to reduce environmental footprints.

Reduce meat and processed meat consumption

Meat, especially red meat, has the highest environmental impact, whether in terms of carbon or water footprint. Producing meat also means producing food for the animals, which requires large amounts of water and land. Not to mention the methane emissions from ruminants, which have a significant greenhouse gas effect.

Beware of fatty, sugary, salty and ultra-processed foods

While we have limited data on the environmental footprint of processed foods, additional manufacturing steps and packaging significantly increase their impact.

As for their health effects, the list keeps growing…

Limit sugary and alcoholic drinks

Choose lower-impact alternatives such as syrups, fermented drinks… or simply tap water!

Reduce salt and salty foods

While a few grams of salt won’t affect your carbon or water footprint, salty foods are often processed and animal-based (cold cuts, cheese, ready meals). Cutting back is beneficial for both the environment and your health.

Moderate dairy consumption

Dairy products have a high carbon footprint. Stick to the recommendations from Santé Publique France: two servings per day (such as a yogurt and a piece of cheese).

A sustainable diet… with even more benefits!

For your budget

Animal products are among the most expensive food items in household budgets. Shifting to a more plant-based diet, with a focus on legumes, improves your environmental footprint while reducing costs!

For a thriving local economy

Eating local and seasonal foods, carefully selecting the animal products you consume (grass-fed animals, for example, are a good choice for reducing water impact and improving animal welfare), helps support local farmers and strengthens the resilience of your local food system.

For taking care of each other

Cooking a good meal is also a way to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

And most importantly… choosing good, healthy foods means choosing flavor!

➡️ Calculate your food footprint (and more!).