Environment

Lentils are unassuming culinary heroes, featured in dishes from a wide variety of culinary traditions. Not only are they delicious, versatile, easy to cook, and nutrient-rich powerhouses, lentils also feature prominently in efforts to mitigate climate change and engage in sustainable food production. So what can lentils do for you and how can you get more of them into your life?

The restaurant industry has some big problems. The pandemic, inflation, and a shortage of workers have all taken their toll. But a growing number of restaurants are taking bold and innovative steps to not only stay afloat — but to also contribute to healthy people and a healthy planet. Here’s what you need to know about sustainable and socially responsible restaurants, and how you can enjoy a night out (or a night of takeout), with a clean conscience and a happy tummy.

Over the past couple of decades, insect populations around the globe have plummeted. While that might sound lovely if you’re thinking about mosquitoes and no-see-ums, it’s actually putting us on a collision course with an environmental catastrophe. Without pollinating insects, our food supply is at risk. And without insects in general, the entire web of terrestrial life would likely collapse. So what’s causing the insect die-off, and what can we do to reverse it?

Food waste is a huge problem, and its corresponding methane emissions have a major impact on climate change. Now, many US states and cities are introducing legislation to curb food waste in landfills and encourage recycling and composting programs. But what do these initiatives accomplish, and do they work?

Food allergies are becoming more and more common in both adults and children. We don’t fully understand what causes a person to develop an allergy to an otherwise harmless food, but we do know enough to prevent some allergies from arising. And if you or someone you know already suffers from a food allergy, there are things you can do to stay safe while enjoyin your food — and your life.

GMOs — or genetically modified organisms — are a lightning-rod issue. For some, GMO crops represent the height of human ingenuity, and anyone who says otherwise is a science denier. For others, GMOs represent an unprecedented and irreversible experiment on the entirety of life on earth, as we place the power to create life into the hands of transnational corporations whose agenda is monopolistic control of the global food supply. But what is a GMO, where are they found, and how concerned should you be?

Teff is a tiny grain that delivers big-time nutrition. It has a longstanding history, deep cultural significance, and remarkable nutritional value.

Carrots are a commonly eaten vegetable. But we don’t think they get quite the recognition they deserve. Is it because they grow in the dirt? Is it because not everybody loves carrot juice? Whatever the reason, here’s an ode to all that carrots have to offer, including their health and environmental benefits, along with some delicious recipes to help you enjoy them more.

Sea vegetables have played an important role in human diets for at least 10,000 years (and possibly much longer). And they’re gaining traction around the world, thanks in part to today’s growing popularity of dried seaweed snacks and sushi. But are these ocean-dwelling plants good for you? And how does their cultivation impact the environment? Here’s what to know about sea vegetables, plus some ways to incorporate the best of them into your diet healthfully and deliciously.

Oranges have long rolled around in kids’ and adults’ lunch boxes, been a breakfast staple in their juice form, and even donned cloves around the holidays. They’re beautiful and fragrant, sure, but are they good for us and the world? Here’s what you need to know about this wildly popular citrus fruit when it comes to your health and the environment.

The pomegranate is a unique fruit with distinct edible seeds that requires a labor of love — or at least time and attention — to remove. It’s also incredibly good for you. Here’s what pomegranate has to offer, along with some useful ways to make this fruit a regular and delicious part of your diet.

Food and climate change: Which foods are the most damaging to the planet? And which foods could help save it? Check out the current state of climate change and see what research says about the impact of certain foods.