By: Usman Mehmood

Earth Day is a reminder to all that we need to consider the impact of our everyday decisions on the world around us. Of those decisions, the way we choose to eat is particularly a strong one. Sustainable eating is not just about rules and perfection. It is all about the conscious choices that feed your body and your world.

Farm-to-plate food has an environmental effect. Greenhouse gas emissions are caused by industrial agriculture, transportation and packaging. By consuming foods that use fewer resources, especially plant-based options, you will cut down on your carbon footprint without significantly altering your way of life.

The food we consume and our mood are closely associated. Heavy consumption of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and grains, can help maintain physical well-being as well as enhance mood and energy. Feel good in your body; your mind will follow suit.

One can easily forget about the quantity of food that is not eaten at home. Food items left in the refrigerator or excessive purchase of food will lead to a global waste menace on a low profile. Eating in moderation and scheduling meals not only helps to save money, but also to save important resources, such as water and energy.

Vegetarian lifestyles are not mandatory but can embrace some good qualities. Make a great impact by adding a few plant-based meals per week to your diet and lowering the environmental impact. Consider lentil curries, vegetable stir-fries or chickpea salads. These meals are simple, satisfying and sustainable.

Purchasing local is a way to help support your local farmers, and it also lessens the length of the journey that your food must travel. Fresh food, less pollution and increased local economy is a win at several levels. Going to farmers markets or buying local vendors can bring you back into the close up of where your food is produced.

Farming organic foods is done without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and contributes to the preservation of soil health and biodiversity. Although you cannot always go completely organic, even minimal changes such as switching to organic fruits or vegetables, can have a significant impact in the long run.

Sustainable eating is a physical, environmental and emotional choice. It is satisfying knowing what you eat can make you healthy. Home kitchen meals, picking local products and fewer disposals may bring some sense of purpose and mindfulness to everyday life.

In addition, making and sharing a well-cooked home meal together can cement relationships with loved ones. Food is no longer fuel; it is now a profoundly caring, perceptive and deliberate experience.

Sustainable eating does not mean that one needs to make an overhaul of your lifestyle. It starts with small actions, like picking meatless meals, purchasing local foods, or just watching the amount of waste one produces. These decisions would eventually create an effective ripple effect on the planet and your health.

Use your plate to honor this Earth Day. When you eat well, you are eating sustainably. You are not only feeding yourself, but you are feeding a healthier and much happier world.