Our everyday food choices, from meat to cocoa powder can significantly impact the environment and making more informed, balanced decisions can help support a more sustainable future.

By Natalie Qualizza | Mar 24 2026

Every action in our daily lives has an impact on the planet, including the food choices we make. The conversation around sustainable diets inevitably begins with beef. According to the World Resources Institute, beef production is more resource-intensive than most other foods. The challenges include high greenhouse gas emissions from cattle, land-use changes such as deforestation, and the significant amounts of feed and water required to produce each unit of meat.

Despite these challenges, the goal is not necessarily to remove beef entirely from our diets. Beef provides important nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. However, reducing consumption and incorporating plant-based alternatives such as vegan burgers or sausages can help lower the environmental impact of our diets, while maintaining nutritional balance.

Cheese production can have a similar environmental impact to beef, although this can vary depending on the type of cheese. Generally, cheeses with a higher water content have a smaller environmental footprint than harder, drier cheeses. This is because they require less raw milk, use less energy during production, and have shorter storage periods. Choosing plant-based alternatives, such as oat or tofu-based cheeses, can also reduce environmental impact. However, sustainability doesn't always require completely avoiding animal-based cheese, moderation and balance remain important.

Another sector with significant environmental and social implications is cocoa production. Cocoa farming is associated with deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and serious social issues such as child labour. Consumers can help address these issues by making more informed purchasing decisions. Looking for certifications from organisations such as Fairtrade International and Rainforest Alliance can support more responsible cocoa production.

Palm oil production is another area that requires careful consideration. It is widely used in food products due to its versatility and relatively low production cost. However, its cultivation has contributed to tropical deforestation, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and significant biodiversity loss as natural habitats are destroyed. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil aims to address these issues by developing internationally recognised sustainability standards and certification systems. While this is an important step forward, achieving sustainable palm oil production remains an ongoing challenge.

Consumers can still play an important role by paying attention to food labels and supporting products that carry sustainability certifications such as “Certified Sustainable Palm Oil.” Making these choices helps encourage more responsible production practices and supports companies that are working towards more sustainable supply chains.

Ultimately, building a more sustainable future does not require completely transforming our lifestyles overnight. Small, thoughtful choices such as being mindful about the food we buy and the products we support can collectively make a meaningful difference. Over time, these everyday decisions can help move us toward a more sustainable food system that benefits both the planet and future generations.