Food and the Environment

Thinking about growing your own food? Figure out what to plant and when, by using a planting calendar.

More and more people are interested in a whole foods, plant-based diet. Some are motivated by specific health concerns. Others by interest in disease prevention, peak performance, sustainability, or ethical concerns. And documentary films are playing a huge part in fueling this growing movement. They’re a great way to learn more, get inspired, and also to spread the word and inspire friends, coworkers, classmates, and even family! This article explains why — and shares 10 of our favorite whole foods, vegan, and plant-based food documentaries.

Nobody likes wasting food. But nearly all of us do it. A lot. And this isn’t just about a few spears of broccoli left on your plate after supper. Food waste is a massive problem that threatens our climate, our air and water and soil, and our ability to grow enough food to feed humanity for future generations. And the good news? There’s a lot you can do about it.

Funders and proponents say vertical farming is the future. But consumer demand may change the nature of what it means to "grow."

Once a self-reliant agriculture-dependent economy, Puerto Rico now imports the majority of its food (including, unfortunately, fast food). But some residents in a rural Puerto Rican community are reviving a historic botanical garden to serve as an example of and inspiration for bringing back local and sustainable farming — and for the purposes of cultural and historical preservation.

For many people, chocolate is one of the special pleasures in life. It tastes delicious, it’s connected to many favorite holidays, and it can immediately lift your mood. But what are the health effects (positive and negative) of chocolate? And can you enjoy it without contributing to slave labor and environmental degradation on cacao plantations? In this article, we’ll share the research on chocolate’s surprising health benefits, and how you can partake ethically and healthfully.

Fish and seafood are often recommended as good sources of healthy nutrients like protein and essential fatty acids. Some research even suggests that fish may help you live longer, with a lower risk for disease. But how much truth is there to these claims? What about contamination with mercury and other heavy metals? And what about the ethical and sustainability concerns?

Industrial animal agriculture is a total environmental disaster, polluting local ecosystems and contributing to climate change. While one obvious response is simply to stop eating animals, there’s a growing movement known as “regenerative agriculture” that claims that raising cows can be part of the solution to climate change and other environmental problems. We asked Dr Doug Gurian-Sherman, a leading agricultural scientist, to share the real science with our readers.

Lawns may look pretty, and they can impress the neighbors. But are their benefits really worth their costs? They can be bad for the environment, and the pesticides sprayed on them can be bad for your health, too. Have you ever wondered what would happen if we turned all our lawns into edible gardens, filled with fruits, vegetables, and herbs?

Compost is nature’s ultimate closed-loop system, turning one generation of waste into the next generation of food. It’s good for the planet, it’s good for your conscience, and it can be a great way to replenish your soil, too! But if you don’t know what you’re doing, home composting can also turn into a great big pile of stinky mess. It can offend the neighbors, attract pests, and smell up your yard. What to do? Ask master gardener, Stacey Murphy, of course!

Pesticides are so widely used in our food system that it’s easy to assume that they must be safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. So what’s the truth about pesticides in food? Are any safe for you? Which ones are most dangerous to you and the environment? And what can you do to reduce your exposure?

What you store your food in matters. Most food storage containers are made of plastic. But research has suggested plastic is harmful to your health and the environment. Instead, try one of these food storage options that are healthier and more sustainable choices.