Sustainable food

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Sustainable Food

Tomatoes on the vine

What is sustainable food?
Sustain gets a lot of enquiries from individuals, organisations and food businesses, asking 'What is sustainable food?' On this page, we give links to some practical advice for anyone interested in buying and using more sustainable food. Of course, new evidence is emerging all the time on how best to improve the sustainability of our complex food and farming system, so these principles are a work in progress.

To see an introduction to the issues, click here. For further information about particular issues, click on the chapter headings to the right, or download one of the pdf documents shown in the side bar - we have versions tailored to consumers and food businesses.

We also offer advice on waste, water and energy in a final chapter entitled 'You've got better food, now…'

principles of sustainable food
In our opinion, people and businesses adopting a sustainable approach to food should:

1. Use local, seasonally available ingredients as standard, to minimise energy used in food production, transport and storage.

2. Specify food from farming systems that minimise harm to the environment, such as certified organic produce.

3. Limit foods of animal origin (meat, dairy products and eggs) served, as livestock farming is one of the most significant contributors to climate change, and promote meals rich in fruit, vegetables, pulses, wholegrains and nuts. Ensure that meat, dairy products and eggs are produced to high environmental and animal welfare standards.

4. Exclude fish species identified as most 'at risk' by the Marine Conservation Society, and choose fish only from sustainable sources - such as those accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council.

5. Choose Fairtrade-certified products for foods and drinks imported from poorer countries, to ensure a fair deal for disadvantaged producers.

6. Avoid bottled water and instead serve plain or filtered tap water in reusable jugs or bottles, to minimise transport and packaging waste.

7. Promote health and well-being by cooking with generous portions of vegetables, fruit and starchy staples like wholegrains, cutting down on salt, fats and oils, and cutting out artificial additives.

Downloadable documents on sustainable food

Eat well and save the planet!
A consumer guide to sustainable food

full document

one-page summary

Serving up sustainability
A guide to sustainable food for restaurants and caterers

full document

one-page summary

Sustainable food for kids
A quick guide to sustainable food

A4 cartoon sheet

We would welcome your feedback, and any contacts or information you might have. Write to: sustainablefood@sustainweb.org

© Sustain 2008