Top 10 Tips for Ethical Eating

If you wish to minimise the suffering of animals as a result of your consumption, then go vegan. The meat, dairy and egg industry is responsible for the most unimaginable suffering and slaughter of billions of animals every year. In addition, these industries are having a devastating effect on the environment and our health.

These days transitioning to a vegan diet is easier than it’s ever been as there are so many meat-free alternatives out there such as tofu, seitan, tempeh and even ‘salmon’, ‘tuna,’ ‘bacon’ and ‘steak’! Some fantastic brands to look out for are ‘Juicy Marbles’ and ‘Beyond Meat’. Alternatively, supermarkets are bringing out their own plant-based products which are reasonably priced and often just as tasty!

Many restaurants have also got on board due to higher demand by introducing a fully vegan menu or vegan options.

Curious? Try going vegan for a month by signing up here: https://veganuary.com/try-vegan/.

The animals will thank you for it! 😊

Choosing products that are Fairtrade means you are supporting sustainable farming practices and ensuring better working conditions and fairer prices for farmers in developing countries. Everything from bananas, sugar, and coffee to flowers, cotton, and gold can be classed as Fairtrade, so just keep an eye out for the logo when shopping or have a read through the buying guide on the Fairtrade website.

Try to minimise packaging by buying loose and package-free where possible. Refill shops, which are becoming more and more popular, allow you to take your own tubs and bottles to stock up on cupboard staples without the need for plastic. This is a fantastic start. You can also swap plastic bags for reusable ones, and buying in bulk can help too.

Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. This means that organic fruits, vegetables, and grains generally have fewer residues of harmful chemicals. While organic doesn’t mean “chemical-free,” it does reduce your exposure to chemicals that could pose long-term health risks.

In addition, organic farms often promote biodiversity by using diverse farming methods that support different plant species, insects, and animals, helping to maintain ecosystems that are often degraded by conventional farming.

Organic farms also tend to be smaller-scale and community-oriented, so buying organic can help support local farmers and small businesses rather than large industrial agricultural corporations.

Shopping locally at farmers markets and grocery stores not only supports local people and businesses but also lowers your carbon emissions. Produce in season and grown in your area travels far fewer miles to get to you than all of the out-of-season fruit and vegetables we see in our supermarkets. The food will be fresher and have fewer chemicals too. You could even sign up for a local veg box delivery and get fresh veg straight to your door.

Waste not, want not. Eating your leftovers is not just a matter of convenience—it offers a variety of benefits that go beyond saving time and money. It is a simple yet impactful habit that can reduce food waste, all while promoting healthier, more sustainable eating habits. It encourages a mindful, resource-conscious approach to food and can be a rewarding part of your daily routine.

Cooking at home is an investment in your health, your finances, and your personal well-being. It gives you the freedom to choose what goes into your food, the flexibility to experiment with new flavors, and the opportunity to create meaningful experiences with family and friends. It’s not just about preparing a meal—it’s about building skills, improving health, reducing waste, and fostering a deeper connection to the food you eat. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cooking project, the benefits of cooking are vast and rewarding.

When you cook at home, you have full control over what goes into your dishes. You can choose fresh, whole ingredients and avoid additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats or sugars often found in takeout or pre-packaged foods. Preparing meals at home is generally much more affordable than eating out or ordering takeout and the ingredients for homemade meals typically cost less than restaurant meals or pre-packaged food. When you cook, you can buy ingredients in bulk or in the exact amounts you need, which can help reduce food waste and save money in the long run. Leftovers can be stored for future meals, reducing the need to cook again soon.

Support Ethical Brands by researching brands and producers that prioritise fair labour practices, environmental sustainability, and transparency. Support companies that are committed to reducing their environmental impact, improving social conditions, and making positive changes in the food system.

You can also use your consumer power to advocate for ethical food production practices by supporting policies and organisations that promote food justice, environmental sustainability, and fair labor practices.

Palm oil is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world, found in everything from processed foods and cosmetics to household products and biofuels.

Palm oil itself is not inherently “bad”—it’s an efficient crop that produces a large yield with relatively low land usage compared to other oils. However, the way it is produced has led to devastating environmental, social, and ethical consequences.

The destruction of rainforests, loss of biodiversity, contribution to climate change, human rights abuses, and pollution are all serious concerns associated with the palm oil industry. While sustainable production methods are possible, significant systemic changes are needed to address the full impact of palm oil cultivation on both the environment and the people living in affected regions.

As a consumer, one way to mitigate these issues is to look for products that use certified palm oil https://rspo.org/as-an-organisation/certification/ or even better, avoid it altogether.

*Page last updated 18th Dec 2024