The Wild Grocery focuses mostly on foraged ingredients, but they’re just one component of eating more sustainably. In addition to my Masters in Sustainable Food System, I’ve encountered a wide diversity of resources that have shaped how I think and talk about creating a better food culture. Below is a list of books, organizations, and academic articles that I trust and have learned from. I’ve tried to include a range of media types and accessibility levels - but let me know if you’re looking for more!
How to Be a Conscious Eater
Book by Sophie Egan
“A radically practical guide to making food choices that are are good for you, others, and the planet.” -Quoted from the author’s website.
If you’re looking for an accessible book that tackles today’s most pressing food questions, start here. It’s comprehensive without being overwhelming, easy to read, and very engaging.
The Double Pyramid of Health & The Climate
Infographic
You know what the food pyramid is, right? This is a new model that summarizes the connection between the nutrition and environmental impact of foods we eat. If you don’t feel like reading anything else on this page, this one picture will give you the gist of everything else here.
Check out the Double Pyramid
Read an Academic Article about the Double Pyramid
Food + Planet Knowledge Library
Curated resource list
“Evidence-based resources to discover how you can put the four dimensions of sustainable diets into practice.”
I love this digital library for many reasons, but primarily for its user-friendly search and filter tools. Discover a wide variety of quality articles organized by topic, read time, and accessibility.
Knorr Future 50 Foods
Industry Report
This is one of my favorite food resources, period. Knorr set out to identify 50 foods that can and should shape our future “based on their high nutritional value, relative environmental impact, flavor, accessibility, acceptability and affordability.” The report is really easy to understand, super clear, and very thorough. Pick a few ingredients from the list that pique your interest and bring them into your weekly cooking.
Project Drawdown
Organization
Project Drawdown is a leading resource for climate solutions - including information on strategies to transform our food system for the long-term. The summary pages listed below may be a little dry, but they succinctly explain how key eating behaviors can be part of achieving major climate goals.
Read about Plant-Rich Diets
Read about Reducing Food Waste
Read about all Food, Agriculture, and Land Use Solutions
Multiple Health and Environmental Impacts of Food
Research Article
Not to be a nerd, but this is one of my favorite research articles. If you’re not accustomed to reviewing academic literature, it might be a challenge to get through - but as far as research goes, this writing is pretty accessible. It links the health and environmental impacts of 15 different food groups (and it includes some really great visuals to explain the research). Spoiler alert: the foods that are best for our bodies tend to also be the best for the planet.
Achieving SDG2 Without Breaching the 1.5C Threshold: A Global Roadmap
Industry Report
This report is written for industry professionals, but it’s included here because it’s the most recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as of December 2023. It summarizes some key global stats and goals related to creating a food system that protects human and planetary health.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Global Initiative
Chances are you’ve stumbled upon the United Nations’ SDGs already, but in case you haven’t: the Sustainable Development Goals “are a plan agreed to by all world leaders to build a greener, fairer, better world by 2030.” The goals are not without criticism, but it’s wise to be familiar with the framework that guides some global food system change. Creating a more sustainable food system involves elements from most of the SDGs, but there are two goals that are particularly relevant to thinking about food and nature:
Read about Goal #2: Zero Hunger
Read about Goal #15: Life on Land
Read about all SDGs