Eating for a healthier planet and you
Sustainable eating focuses on making food choices that support both personal well-being and environmental health. It encourages eating more whole and minimally processed foods, choosing seasonal and local options when possible and reducing food waste at home. Sustainable eating is not about perfection. It is about making thoughtful choices that align with your values, your budget and your lifestyle.
Small and practical steps can reduce environmental impact while still supporting energy, nourishment and enjoyment. This page offers simple ideas to get started and ways to personalize sustainable eating so that it feels accessible and realistic.
Why sustainable eating matters
Food plays an important role in our health and it also has an impact on land, water and climate. Choosing foods that are grown with care or produced closer to home can reduce transportation needs and support local communities. Eating more whole and plant based foods can help lower the environmental footprint of your meals and support long term well-being.
Sustainable eating also helps reduce food waste which is one of the biggest contributors to environmental impact. Creating simple habits around planning, storing and using ingredients can help save money and support a healthier planet.
Key principles
Choose more plant foods
Adding more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds can support both personal health and environmental sustainability. Plant foods require fewer natural resources to grow and they provide important nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Ideas to try:
- Add one plant focused meal each week
- Use beans or lentils in soups, stews or grain bowls
- Add extra vegetables to pasta, salads or stir fry dishes
Buy seasonal and local when possible
Seasonal produce often tastes better and can be more affordable. Buying local foods supports nearby farmers and reduces transportation needs.
Ideas to try:
- Explore farmers markets or local produce boxes
- Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season
- Try one new local product each month
Choose sustainable proteins
Different protein sources have different environmental footprints. Eating a mix of plant proteins along with seafood, eggs or poultry can support both sustainability and balanced nutrition.
Ideas to try:
- Choose seafood labeled as responsibly sourced
- Swap red meat for beans, tofu or lentils a few times a week
- Try plant based proteins like edamame, chickpeas or hemp seeds
Talk with your doctor or dietitian if you have specific protein needs or health conditions.
Reduce food waste at home
Food waste has a major impact on the environment and also affects household budgets. With a few simple habits, you can use more of what you buy and waste less.
Ideas to try:
- Make a short meal plan for the week
- Store produce properly to extend freshness
- Freeze leftovers or extra portions
- Use vegetable scraps to make broth
- Keep a list of foods that need to be eaten soon
Choose minimally processed foods more often
Whole and minimally processed foods generally require fewer steps and resources to produce. They also provide more nutrients and fiber.
Ideas to try:
- Choose whole grains instead of refined grains
- Select simple snacks like nuts, fruit or yogurt
- Cook larger batches to save time and reduce packaging
Be mindful with packaging
Reducing packaging waste is another small way to support sustainability.
Ideas to try:
- Use reusable bags, containers and water bottles
- Buy grains or nuts from bulk bins
- Choose larger packages rather than many single serve options
The Whole U tools and resources
UW Food System Sustainability presentation with UWHFS
What your Food Ate presented by David Montgomery
Creating Sustainable Nutritional Habits with UW Athletic Dietitians
Balancing sustainability, health and real life
Sustainable eating looks different for everyone. Factors like cost, time, access and cultural preferences all shape food choices. You do not need to make every change at once. Even one or two habits can make a meaningful difference over time.
Try choosing one area to focus on, such as reducing food waste or adding more plant based meals. Build from there in a way that feels manageable and supportive of your lifestyle.