Page 34 - FoodFocusThailand No.171 June 2020

SPECIAL FOCUS

Ways We Can Make

the Food System

More Sustainable

If you’ve been paying any attention to the changing food climate over the past several years,
you’ve probably heard a certain buzzword repeated time and time again: sustainability.

But what does a sustainable food system refer to, part of the reason foods are imported from all over the world: to gratify the appetites of
exactly? The answer is complex and composed of many consumers. This however is unsustainable. If you stick to seasonal produce, however,
moving parts, but at its heart, a sustainable model in you’ll be able to buy almost everything locally — and make sure that you get more variety
the food system promotes the physical health of the in your diet over the course of a year. This practice will help to reduce your carbon
public, the economic health of farmers and producers footprint and boost your health.
and the fair treatment of the earth, animals and people.
A sustainable food system also refers to an Rotate Crop Varieties Regularly When farmers plant the same crops
approach that makes the most of the earth’s resources 4again and again, they eventually suck the nutrients out of the soil, making it near
for future generations. It guards against depleting these useless and often necessitating chemical-laden fertilizers. There’s a simple, natural and
resources. Why, then, has sustainability not yet been time-tested trick to avoid this, though. Farmers can plant different crops every few years
achieved? Perhaps it’s because not enough folks know to keep the soil healthy. Consumers just have to get on board with mixing up their diet
how to achieve it. too.
Here are 10 ways that consumers, food producers
and legislators can work together to make the food Waste Less If you added up all the food to be produced from now until the year
system more sustainable. 52050, the sum would equal the same amount of food that’s been consumed over
the past 8,000 years. Clearly, as the food industry grows, so will its impact on the earth.
Local Eating The cost of transporting food In order to offset this impact, consumers should strive to toss out less food at home and
1across the globe isn’t measured just in dollar signs, make the most of their groceries. Businesses, supermarkets and industry should stop
but in carbon emissions too. When you buy food from throwing out food too and strive to donate to charity or other organisations.
local farmers, you’re contributing to your community’s
economy and also decreasing your impact on Mother Need to Know
Nature. Win-win.
Tip: If you really want to reduce your food miles,
we recommend growing your own herb garden. It’s What is Sustainable Food Production?
easy, economical and sustainable.
Sustainable food production is “a method of production using
Encourage Cooking Since sustainability processes and systems that are non-polluting, conserve
2promotes better health among consumers, learning non-renewable energy and natural resources,
to cook at home more skilfully — and more frequently are economically efficient, are safe for workers,
— is an essential component. When people have control communities and consumers, and do not
over their own food, they can eliminate ingredients like compromise the needs of
added sugars and fats. This, in turn, creates a healthier
public. future generations”.

Design Menus to Follow Seasons Eaters
3like to enjoy fruits and veggies year-round which is
Source: Foresight, The Future of Food and Farming:
Challenges and Choices for Global Sustainability.
34 FOOD FOCUS THAILAND JUN 2020

21/5/2563 BE 18:56
32-35_Special Focus.indd 34
32-35_Special Focus.indd 34 21/5/2563 BE 18:56