healthier choices for humans correspond to a more sustainable system for the Earth. By Julie Peller PhD

Green Junction

About a third of man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are associated with food production. Foods from animals have a much higher carbon footprint than plant-based foods, and beef production emits 2–9 times the GHGs of other animal products. An analysis of the environmental footprint of food production also assesses overconsumption of foods and food waste, which contribute to global climate change and other types of environmental degradation, while globally, over 700 million people deal with daily hunger.

In the US, two of five adults (over 100 million) are classified as obese. An interesting set of new data shows a lowering consumption of foods among people taking GLP-1 medications, an increasingly popular method to lose weight and maintain a healthier weight. Although these medications were mainly designed to help manage blood sugar for people with Type 2 diabetes, they are also effective as a weight loss treatment. The medication can increase the feeling of fullness in the stomach when eating. One NIH study (2024) reported that roughly 12% of US adults have used a GLP-1 drug for weight loss and the corresponding improvements in health.

Consequently, they are purchasing fewer groceries, resulting in an average of 6% lower grocery bills. The greatest decline is in processed foods (fewer chemicals, plastics, sugars).

It makes sense that healthier choices for humans correspond to a more sustainable system for the Earth. A recent Purdue University study polled people on their food choices, which showed taste is the top priority, followed by affordability, and then nutrition. This time of the year, flavorful, healthy foods are abundant at local farmers’ markets. (Don’t forget to take your reusable bags!)

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her research interests include advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.