Sustainable food consumption prioritizes nutrition and health by promoting diverse, balanced, and nutrient-rich diets. A healthy diet is crucial for the well-being of individuals and communities. Sustainable food consumption practices, such as choosing plant-based protein alternatives to meat or ethically or extensively raised animal products that are safe to eat , can help reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and promote the health and well-being of both humans and animals. It can also support sustainable agricultural practices, contribute to the preservation of ecosystems, mitigating environmental degradation and supporting the health of both humans and animals.
Providing diverse, affordable, accessible, healthy and sustainable food options is critical for individuals to make better informed decisions. Governments and businesses play key roles in making sustainable living the default option as they are best placed in the value chain to make the disruptive changes needed and are responsible for the design and regulation of food environments (such as producers’ and farmers’ markets, school canteens, supermarket aisles, and hotel buffets). This also involves addressing the drivers of consumption, including marketing and advertising, culture and traditions and other sociological forces.
UNEP, through the One Health Approach, recognises that sustainable diets and sustainable lifestyles play a crucial role in promoting the health of individuals, animals, and ecosystems. By adopting sustainable, healthy diets that prioritise plant-based foods, minimise food waste, and reduce the environmental impact of food production, we can enhance human health while reducing the strain on the environment and mitigating climate change. By integrating One Health principles into sustainable diets and lifestyles, we can create synergies that promote human health, protect animal welfare, conserve ecosystems, and mitigate the negative environmental impacts of our actions. This integrated approach recognises the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment, and encourages a holistic perspective to achieve a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
