Five Ways to Tell if Your Food Is Sustainable

The food on your plate is one of the biggest drivers of your personal carbon footprint. From the distance food travels to the way it’s produced, our dietary choices ripple out into the environment. Even simple actions, like actually eating what you buy instead of letting it rot in the fridge, can help cut global food waste — a problem responsible for up to 8% of worldwide carbon emissions.

As Jessica Sansom, a leading voice in food sustainability, explains:

“Our food system is responsible for more than a quarter of all global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock accounting for the majority. To meet reduction targets, we all need to make changes to what we eat.”

You don’t need to start farming your own vegetables to make a difference. Here are five practical ways to make your food choices more sustainable:

1. Use Tech to Fight Waste

Food waste is one of the biggest hidden sources of emissions. Try using simple tools — even a notes app or calendar reminder — to track use-by dates and plan meals around what’s already in your kitchen. Building this habit can save money, reduce waste, and keep more food out of landfill.

2. Do a Little Homework

Not all products are created equal. Independent ethical guides and sustainability scorecards can help you understand which producers follow better practices. A quick search before you shop — especially for items you buy regularly — can help you support companies genuinely working toward lower impact.

3. Check the Labels

You can’t trace every item back to the farm, but certain certifications can guide better choices. Look for seasonal produce, Fairtrade, or Rainforest Alliance labels. Where possible, choose food that’s grown closer to home to cut down on transport emissions. For meat, fish, and dairy, higher-welfare standards and regenerative or certified sources are worth prioritising.

4. Start Small, Stay Consistent

Sustainability isn’t about sudden, dramatic overhauls — it’s about changes you can maintain. Swapping even one meal a day to plant-based can reduce your food-related carbon emissions by up to a third. Cut out animal products at breakfast and lunch, and the savings double. The point isn’t perfection, it’s steady progress.

5. Watch for Greenwashing

The surge in “eco-friendly” packaging and buzzwords can be misleading. Be sceptical of vague claims and check whether a product is backed by a recognised certification or transparent reporting. A few minutes of research on the brands you buy most often can help you separate genuine sustainability from marketing spin.

Final Thoughts

Sustainable eating is about balance, awareness, and action. Every small choice — from how you shop to how you cook — adds up. At Flush, we believe supporting your health and the planet go hand in hand: by choosing foods that are both nourishing and sustainable, you’re protecting your body’s systems and the world they depend on.