Food is a biological necessity for survival. Aside from survival, we use food in social, cultural, and emotional aspects of our lives. When we take a step back and think about the way food is produced, distributed, consumed, and disposed of, a series of ethical questions come to mind. Food ethics focuses on these aspects that impact our health, the environment, the lives of animals and workers, and the food system as a whole. It encompasses issues such as personal food choices, food security, sustainability, agricultural practices, and more. All these factors play a role in conscious choices in the food industry and are deeply interconnected.
Without looking at food ethics in such a broad sense, let us hone in on some of our daily food choices that can have quite the impact on the environment, health, and animals. An easy way to think about food ethics is by relating it to our everyday choices. For example, we can look at vegetarian versus vegan versus omnivore diets and consider why one might be better than the other. Overconsumption of animal products can increase cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, while a raw vegan diet can lack nutrients, protein, or calories. The healthiest diets are those that consist of a balanced variety of whole foods, rich in produce, whole grains, ethically sourced meats and lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited processed foods or excessive amounts of sugar.
There is a spectrum of what might be considered an ethical food choice. For some, it might mean eating less meat; for others, it could mean eating seasonal or local produce and reducing food waste. What are the consequences of these choices?
I don’t believe in shaming people for their food choices, but would offer a suggestion that humans do not need to consume meat in every meal. Looking at how humans ate thousands of years ago, they hunted and gathered. Meat was not available to us the same way it is today, so there is proof that we can survive without it. Furthermore, the meat industry utilized billions of gallons of water annually and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For those that consume meat regularly, I would suggest to try doing meatless mondays, or eat meat once less per day — you might notice that you still feel satiated from eating whole foods, and it could help with lowering cholesterol.
Another ethical consideration is eating with the seasons. Have you ever bought a watermelon in the dead of winter? Chances are, it was watery and not particularly sweet. Seasonal produce not only tastes better but is often healthier. Research shows that fruits and vegetables in season tend to have higher vitamin and mineral content. Seasonal produce is also grown under more natural conditions, meaning less reliance on expensive imports or energy-intensive farming methods. These foods typically arrive on shelves faster, are fresher, and are often more affordable. When you can, try to eat seasonally—it’s better for you and the environment.
Then there’s the issue of food waste. Did you know the average American wastes over 200 pounds of food each year? Meanwhile, millions of people face food insecurity in the United States. To address this imbalance, consider making small but meaningful changes to your habits. For instance, shop at grocery stores that offer bulk ingredients, where you can use reusable containers to purchase nuts, legumes, spices, and more—this eliminates the need for plastic packaging, much of which ends up in landfills. Additionally, look into composting options in your area. In my hometown, compost pick-up is available on waste collection days, turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. If this isn’t an option where you live, you can start a small compost bin in your yard to benefit your own garden. These small, eco-friendly changes make a big difference over time.
At the end of the day, I want people to have a positive relationship with food and to eat what makes them happy. However, I also hope that those who can make conscious efforts will think a bit more about food ethics when grocery shopping, cooking, or deciding what to do with leftovers. Small, intentional changes in our daily food choices can collectively lead to a healthier planet, a healthier body, and a more sustainable food system.
Very insightful, Gil! We need to be more mindful of what we take from and give back to the world we live in!
Very thoughtful piece. This author really has a great understanding of the nuances of food in society!