Sustainability

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.

Have you ever wondered what you could do with food scraps instead of tossing them in the garbage? While the latter can be automatic for many of us, reducing food waste is easy — and even small steps toward repurposing food scraps can be instrumental for helping your health and the environment.

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?

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.

In this video interview, Dr. Sean Hashmi of Kaiser Permanente sits down with Ocean Robbins to discuss his experience as a kidney specialist, his mission to change the culture of medicine, and the importance of treating root causes of disease — not just symptoms. Dr. Hashmi and Ocean discuss the impact of systemic inequality on food choices and health outcomes, and look at breakthrough solutions that can heal lives and build a healthier society.

When we discover the benefits of plant-based eating, it’s natural for us to evangelize those benefits, especially to our own families. But being too gung-ho and insistent can backfire. So what are the most effective ways to get veggie-averse family members to embrace a healthy, plant-based way of eating without turning the dinner table into a civil war?

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.