Food and the Environment

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.

Is your cookware safe? Or is it off-gassing toxic chemicals that get into your food and body? This article examines the options out there so that you can make the best purchases for your health, the environment, and your cooking needs.

Sustainable travel is a popular buzzword in the tourism industry, but what does it actually mean? And how can you take steps to travel and eat more sustainably?

Inspired by health, ethical, and environmental concerns, more and more people are eating plant-based foods and plant-based meat alternatives. And the range of options is growing rapidly. But how do veggie burgers and fake meats stack up? We know they can be better for the environment and the animals, but what about your health? This article evaluates the pros and cons of popular plant-based meat options.

Bee populations continue to decline, threatening the global food supply. But by choosing bee-friendly plants for your garden, you can help bring back the bees and enjoy the (literal) fruits of your labor.

Having a BBQ or cookout this 4th of July or summer? Before you do, consider these tips to make your outdoor celebration healthier and more sustainable.