Eat a Climate Diet
With global food systems accounting for one third of total greenhouse gas emissions, our food choices can have a big impact on climate change. Emissions are created at every stage of the food system from the raising and harvesting of all the plants, animals and animal products we eat, to the processing, packaging and shipping of food to markets all over the world. By making simple changes to our diets and choosing climate-friendly food options, we can all make a difference from our kitchens.
Different foods have different impacts on the planet, with plant-based foods generally being more climate-friendly overall. Studies have concluded that people who currently eat a meat-heavy diet could shrink their food-related footprint by one-third or more by moving to a vegetarian diet, and giving up dairy would reduce those emissions even further. If going full veggie right away seems daunting, you can still take meaningful steps by swapping out some of your meaty meals for carbon-low plant-based foods such as beans, pulses and grains.
The city of Cambridge has shown its commitment to addressing climate change through food by signing The Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration ahead of the COP26 Climate Change Summit - you too can be part of the solution in Cambridge through your diet! Our website is filled with recipes, resources and tips to guide you on eating a climate-friendly diet - explore our suggestions below.
In addition to signing the manifesto, if you want to take further climate action in Cambridge through what you eat, join us in making a Climate Diet Pledge; a mixture of challenges, from the small things you can do in a day, to committing to longer term goals. Pledge to make a difference here.
Actions you can take
Get clued up - understand the impact your food choices have on climate change
Take our Climate Diet Pledge and be part of the solution the the climate crisis
Reduce your meat and dairy consumption
Switch your protein sources to pulses, beans and grains
Spread the message - hold a plant-based dinner party
Eat seasonal and local and reduce your food footprint by avoiding air freighted fruit and veg
Cambridge Sustainable Food Guidance
Explore our Eat for our future pledge page for guidance and recipes inspiration.
Video tutorials from Cambridge chefs creating delicious climate diet recipes including energy saving cooking tips and plant-based twists on classic dishes.
Discover the importance of buying local and seasonal and explore what’s in season.
Explore Cambridge’s plant-based eateries and suppliers on our Sustainable Food Directory.
External Guidance
Calculate the carbon footprint of your food choices to work out where you can make the change.
Start small - make monday’s meat free.
A list of plant-based alternatives to meat from one green planet.
The vegetarian society website is filled with plant-based recipe inspiration.
NHS guidance on accessing nutrience on a plant-based diet.
Climate Diets in Cambridge
