Shop and Eat Smarter

1. Reduce waste

About a third of all the food that’s produced globally—several times what’s needed to feed every malnourished person on the planet—is never eaten. By keeping food from going to waste, we can provide food for more people without increasing its impacts.

2. Consume mindfully

Consumers should consider the environmental impacts of the products they choose and reduce the overconsumption of high-impact foods. By eating a balanced diet and following nutritional recommendations, people can maintain a more sustainable environmental footprint.

3. Shop sustainably

Consumers should look for food items that are certified as more sustainable by independent organizations. By choosing certified or more sustainable foods, you can send a message to your favorite grocery stores and brands that sustainability matters to you.

4. Get to know farmers and ranchers

Most Americans are generations removed from farms. By visiting with nearby farmers and ranchers or your local farmers market, people can begin to understand how agriculture can serve as a tool for conservation. And with greater understanding and personal relationships, we can begin to share in the challenge of producing and consuming food more sustainably.

5. Advocate for strong conservation policies

Congress and the Administration have a lot of influence over our food system and its impact on nature. You can get involved in the process. Ask your members of Congress to support policies that help farmers and ranchers conserve wildlife and grasslands while producing food.