Food is a necessity, yet many students know little about where their meals come from or how their choices impact the planet. Nutrition and sustainability are often overlooked, despite their importance for the environment and our health.
Nutrition and sustainability go hand in hand, shaping our health and the planet's well-being. Choosing whole, minimally processed foods like locally sourced fruit, vegetables, and ethically produced animal products supports a balanced diet while reducing environmental impact. Sustainable eating involves minimizing food waste and opting for plant-based proteins. By making mindful choices, we can nourish our bodies and our planet.
The intensive farming of animals for meat, dairy, and eggs, also known as Industrial meat production, is one of the leading causes of deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Large-scale farming operations in the U.S., Brazil, China, and more clear forests for livestock, release massive amounts of methane into the atmosphere, and contaminate bodies of water with waste. For example, the Amazon rainforest, often called the “lungs of the Earth”, is being cleared at intense rates to make room for cattle ranching. In the U.S., factory farms produce tons of animal waste annually, much of which pollutes rivers and lakes. These environmental consequences highlight the urgent need for more sustainable food choices.
Opting for ethically sourced animal products and plant-based alternatives can significantly reduce environmental harm. Sustainable eating emphasizes the importance of local, organic, and responsibly farmed foods, which lower carbon footprints and support better farming practices. Reducing reliance on factory-farmed meat and processed foods is a step toward a healthier planet.
Ethical eating also benefits personal health. Processed foods often contain unhealthy additives like artificial preservatives, excessive sodium, and high-fructose corn syrup, all of which contribute to long-term health issues. Additionally, factory farming raises concerns about animal welfare. In these farms, chickens, pigs, and cows are often kept in cramped, overcrowded conditions where they barely have room to move. Many never see sunlight or breathe fresh air. Chickens are packed into small cages that can’t spread their wings, and pigs are confined in metal crates that can’t even turn around. These inhumane conditions not only raise serious ethical concerns but also contribute to the spread of diseases, leading to the overuse of antibiotics in livestock.
Schools can play a major role in addressing these problems by integrating food systems and sustainability lessons into science and social studies classes. Schools often avoid fully integrating sustainable eating due to the political controversy surrounding food production practices and the financial burden of sourcing ethical school meals.
In an interview, Lafayette student Brody Antrobus said, “One way I think Lafayette could encourage sustainable eating is by adding more friendly food options in the cafeteria.” Expanding cafeteria options to include more plant-based and ethically sourced meals would allow students to make better choices. Our school already has an environmental club, which could take an active role in educating students about sustainable eating.
Ultimately, teaching students about sustainable eating is about more than just food, it’s about health, ethics, and the future of our planet. By making small but meaningful changes, both individually and as a school, we can help create a world that is better for people, animals, and the environment.
