On the way to a sustainable diet
- 15.05.2013
- English Articles
- Petra Teitscheid
Peer-reviewed | Manuscript received: July 17, 2012 | Revision accepted: March 07, 2013
Introduction
The food sector, one of the most important economic sectors in the world, is facing a number of serious and intensifying ecological, economic and social challenges [1]. The rising world population, coupled with increasing prosperity and the adoption of Western lifestyles, results in a growing demand for food.
At the same time, the space available for food production and its quality is decreasing. Production and consumption of food are responsible for a significant proportion of worldwide environmental damage. In addition, Western eating habits around the world lead to health problems, which severely impact the national economies of the countries concerned [2].
Summary
The food sector is responsible for a significant proportion of global environmental damage, and the trend is increasing. Growing prosperity worldwide is transforming global eating habits into Western patterns of consumption, which consume resources and harm the environment. Consumers in Europe are beginning to search for change. Restraint – in the sense of a reduction to the essential – is today definitely perceived as an added value, but the complex daily routine forces compromises, particularly in terms of eating; eating habits must suit the requirements of a hectic everyday life. Recipe-related suggestions for a sustainable diet fail under the constraints of everyday situations. A sustainable diet must relief the burden on the consumer, and provide enjoyable and sustainable food and space to share the enjoyment of food.
Against a backdrop of growing demand and scarce raw materials, the food industry is prepared to launch sustainable product and service innovations on the saturated markets of Europe and thus to provide the framework for a sustainable diet.
Yet the question of the right direction remains unanswered. What exactly is a sustainable diet, what is its effect and how can it be implemented in everyday life?
Keywords: Sustainable diet, obstacles, framework conditions, food system, sustainability
