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Better for the Environment The world’s population is growing. As it grows, so does the need for enough food to feed all those people. That often leads to more factory-based food systems. In these systems, food is produced on a large scale, often without regard to the impact it has on the environment. These systems are efficient at producing a lot of food quickly, but this efficiency comes at a cost to the environment in addition to producing less-nutritious food. In particular, processed food production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and damages Earth’s natural resources. Large forests are cut down to make room for more farmland to produce corn, soy, and wheat. Yes, corn, soy, and wheat are whole foods. But the vast majority of these crops are turned into foods that are not, like high-fructose corn syrup and soybean oil. They are stripped of their nutritional value in the process. In addition, forests cleanse the air and produce the oxygen that animals (including people) need to breathe. They also provide a place for many animals to live. At the same time, processing food consumes energy and water. It creates more pollution, because it requires massive machines. Processed foods are easier to transport for long distances, and companies transport them around the world. Making a personal choice to eat more whole foods supports forests, locally grown food, and the cleaner air that results. It protects natural resources. Finally, processed foods often require more packaging. Much of this packaging ends up in landfills, rivers, and neighborhoods, where it can be harmful to wildlife and unpleasant to see. A lot of it is made of materials that are toxic and will not break down into healthy soil. Choosing whole foods significantly reduces the amount of trash that an individual produces.

Chapter 1: Why Eat Whole Foods?

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