Sustainability in Food Options - Week 1 Entry 1


In recent years, the term sustainability has been constantly thrown about. This emphasis in sustainability has definitely not gone unnoticed. With effects of climate change getting more prominent each passing day, sustainability is something that people can no longer shrug away.
It is noticeable that companies and organisations of different professionalism are attempting to help play their role in sustainability. Companies like IKEA has recently announced an addition of a Vegan hot dog into their menu, stating that it is a more sustainable option for its customers. It comes to an extent where you question the feasibility of moves like this. Are these ideas just a marketing ploy that evokes a sense of peace within the customer’s conscience which in turn promotes the company’s reputation of consideration for the environment, or is it actually beneficial to the climate and actually help take a minute step towards a sustainable world.
With the rise of the number of vegans this year, a business providing vegan options has been turning into a lucrative business. The question of how sustainable is a vegan option has to be answered.
Take for example the most prominent food source of vegans, avocados. We have seen price hikes of avocados in the recent years, this price hike does not come without consequences. Two months ago, Kenya has banned export of avocados due to severe shortages, Australia has seen the fruit double in price over a year, Mexico, who accounts for 45% of the world’s avocados are also facing severe shortages, and is considering importing the fruit as it is a primary food source for a large majority of their population. This is causing an economic instability within these nations, which hinders the nation’s ability to contribute to a sustainable world.
The next issue to question is the import route of the fruit. Would eating an avocado that has been imported over a long distance be more sustainable compared to meat that has been imported locally. The carbon emission from the importation cannot be overlooked and it seems to be a less sustainable option. Urban farms have been gaining tract in bigger cities in recent years, with the capability to reduce the travelling distance, this significantly reduces the carbon emission, reduces the carbon footprint and provides food security for its vicinity.
In conclusion, it is crucial that people starting a vegan diet primarily trying to contribute to a sustainable world carefully investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each food source. Achieving a sustainable world is no easy task, a feat that requires the cooperation of countries, organisations and the people.

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