In an age where humans have taken over control of vast pieces of land—about half of the earth’s habitable land is used for agriculture[1]—we can formulate a new concept: The planet is what we plant. The other half of the habitable land is composed of forest, shrub, as well as urban and built-up land. The latter only accounts for 1%, although it is the part we spend the most time in.

Farmland comes in many forms and shapes. A staggering three-quarters of the agricultural area is used for livestock, including both grazing and animal feed production. It is hard not to marvel at the sheer scale of agricultural sites when flying over them in a plane. But it is important to keep in mind that this massive expansion in agricultural land use has happened quite recently. While 2000 years ago the total farming area was below 0.5 billion hectares, it is now approaching 5 billion hectares. As you may imagine, many of these farms are not operated in an ecological and sustainable way, which has been part of the success story of feeding the global population with increasing efficiency (i.e., decrease in land required per person has dropped from 1.2 to 0.6 over the past 50 years[2]). However, this comes at the cost of biodiversity due to the use of pesticides and monoculture, and a negative impact on the climate. Especially the increased cattle farming has led to a sharp increase in the atmosphere’s methane levels, a greenhouse gas 78 times more potent than CO2 on a 20-year scale, which has contributed to a third of the global warming observed to date[3].

Every single one of our daily choices affects how land use will change in the years to come. Walking to the supermarket or shopping for groceries online is like going to the ballot and casting a vote for how our future planet is going to be cultivated.

At the same time, our food choices affect our personal well-being, health, cognitive performance, and so much more. Why do we hear so little about this on the news? Quite simply, making a change can be painful in the beginning, but you will end up with something much more valuable in the end. We at Alter believe that these two things—health of the body and planet—align very well and can be pursued with every choice we make. Let us alter our choices together so we can alter the planet!

We are ready. Are you?

[1] Available at: World Economic Forum

[2] Available at: Our World in Data

[3] Available at: IEA

<p>The post Alter your body – Alter the planet first appeared on Alter 🍏.</p>

1. Plan, Plan, Plan!

Meal Planning for Budget-Friendly Sustainability
Meal planning isn’t just for fitness buffs or obsessive organizers—it’s essential for anyone aiming to eat sustainably on a budget. By planning your meals in advance, you can ensure that every item you buy gets used, reducing food waste and saving money. Plus, it helps you avoid last-minute takeout, which is often neither sustainable nor cost-effective.

Create a Shopping List
Develop a shopping list based on your meal plan and stick to it. Impulse buys can wreck both your budget and your sustainable eating goals. A list helps keep you focused and less tempted by enticing but not-so-sustainable processed foods.

2. Buy in Bulk

Bulk Buying Basics
Grains, beans, lentils, and pasta are your best friends when eating sustainably on a budget. These items are affordable, have a long shelf life, and are versatile enough for various dishes. Buying them in bulk reduces packaging waste and usually cuts down on costs.

Bulk Bin Benefits
Shopping in bulk allows you to buy only what you need, saving money and reducing waste. Check out bulk bins for staples like rice, oats, nuts, and dried fruits. Not only do they often cost less per unit, but you also save on the environmental impact of packaging.

3. Embrace Plant-Based Proteins

Power of Plant-Based Foods
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and tofu are not only nutritious but also inexpensive sources of protein. They have a lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins and can be used in various delicious recipes. Think hearty lentil soups, chickpea curries, and black bean tacos. The options are endless and cost-effective!

Cut Down on Meat
You don’t have to become a full-time vegetarian to eat sustainably. Try incorporating meatless meals a few times a week. This reduces your carbon footprint and cuts down your grocery bill. When you do buy meat, opt for quality over quantity. A smaller amount of sustainably-sourced meat can go a long way in a well-prepared dish.

4. Choose Seasonal and Local Produce

Seasonal Savings
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper and fresher than their out-of-season counterparts. They don’t require extensive travel, reducing their carbon footprint. Plus, eating with the seasons adds variety to your diet and can be a fun way to try new recipes.

Support Local Farmers
Local farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs often offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and supports your local economy. Check out markets towards the end of the day for potential discounts on produce that farmers don’t want to take back home.

5. Reduce Food Waste

Creative Leftovers
Get creative with leftovers to prevent food waste. Last night’s roasted vegetables can become today’s veggie wrap or a topping for a grain bowl. Overripe bananas? Perfect for baking or smoothies. Use what you have before buying more, and you’ll save both food and money.

Utilize Your Freezer
Freeze leftovers, vegetables that are about to go bad, or bulk purchases like meat and bread. Freezing extends the shelf life of food, prevents waste, and allows you to buy items when they’re on sale without worrying about them spoiling.

6. DIY Whenever Possible

Homemade and Sustainable
Making things from scratch is often cheaper and more sustainable than buying pre-packaged items. Consider baking your own bread, making your own salad dressings, or cooking up a big batch of soup to freeze. Not only do you control the ingredients, but you also reduce packaging waste.

Grow Your Own
Even if you don’t have a garden, you can grow herbs on a windowsill or balcony. Fresh herbs can be expensive, but a small pot of basil or mint can go a long way. Growing your own food, even on a small scale, is rewarding and cost-effective.

7. Be Savvy with Sales and Discounts

Use Coupons and Sales
Don’t shy away from using coupons or taking advantage of sales. Stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on sale. Just make sure the items are things you will actually use to avoid waste.

Join Store Loyalty Programs
Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide discounts, coupons, or rewards. Sign up for these programs to save money on your grocery bill. Combine them with sales, and you can make your budget go further.

8. Choose Sustainable Seafood Wisely

Smart Seafood Choices
If you enjoy seafood, opt for sustainable choices. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label or consult resources like the Seafood Watch app. Sustainable seafood doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for less popular fish varieties that are often more affordable and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Impact

Eating sustainably on a tight budget is all about making smart, thoughtful choices. You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight. Start with small changes, like planning your meals, reducing food waste, and embracing plant-based proteins. Each step you take not only helps your wallet but also contributes to a healthier planet.

Remember, sustainability is a journey, not a destination. By making conscious decisions about what we eat, we can all play a part in creating a more sustainable future—one delicious, budget-friendly meal at a time!

<p>The post Alter Your Plate, Not Your Budget: Sustainable Eating on a Budget first appeared on Alter 🍏.</p>