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http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/02/01/1233423045536.html?feed=fairfaxdigitalxml
Poor diet puts the planet in danger
Illustration Omitted:
Costly Š cattle are big
sources of greenhouse gases. Photo: Leanne Pickett
Yuko Narushima
February 2, 2009
AS A taste for sugary drinks and fatty foods feeds chronic disease and obesity, a health group is warning that poor dietary decisions also endanger the planet.
The Public Health Association of Australia wants the Federal Government to help overhaul the nation's attitude to food, saying its appetite for sweet drinks, highly processed foods and red meat is not only unhealthy but unsustainable.
"It is imperative that human health is placed within the context of the health of the planet," says the association's report A Future For Food, out today. "Every stage of the food chain needs to be considered when assessing the environmental impact of our food choices."
This ranged from the methane emitted by cows on the farm to the greenhouse gases wasted in producing food and packaging that ended up in rubbish bins, it said.
Food waste makes up half of Australia's landfill, and diet-related diseases account for seven of the 10 leading causes of death.
The association's chief executive, Michael Moore, said production of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables caused the least strain on the environment. However, transport to market and refrigeration meant fresh produce was not entirely guilt-free.
"We know that beef and dairy food coming through cattle are hard on greenhouse gases," Mr Moore said. "Buying locally uses less fossil fuels, but what's interesting is that dropping red meat one day a week had a much greater impact."
The report said that those on lower incomes "are more likely to be overweight or obese and are less likely to consume the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetable".
As cheaper foods tended to be high in added fats, sugar and refined grains, Mr Moore said the Government had to step in and defy the interests of industry groups who would suffer as a result of better eating habits.
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes only. ***
Poor diet puts the planet in danger
Illustration Omitted:
Yuko Narushima
February 2, 2009
AS A taste for sugary drinks and fatty foods feeds chronic disease and obesity, a health group is warning that poor dietary decisions also endanger the planet.
The Public Health Association of Australia wants the Federal Government to help overhaul the nation's attitude to food, saying its appetite for sweet drinks, highly processed foods and red meat is not only unhealthy but unsustainable.
"It is imperative that human health is placed within the context of the health of the planet," says the association's report A Future For Food, out today. "Every stage of the food chain needs to be considered when assessing the environmental impact of our food choices."
This ranged from the methane emitted by cows on the farm to the greenhouse gases wasted in producing food and packaging that ended up in rubbish bins, it said.
Food waste makes up half of Australia's landfill, and diet-related diseases account for seven of the 10 leading causes of death.
The association's chief executive, Michael Moore, said production of healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables caused the least strain on the environment. However, transport to market and refrigeration meant fresh produce was not entirely guilt-free.
"We know that beef and dairy food coming through cattle are hard on greenhouse gases," Mr Moore said. "Buying locally uses less fossil fuels, but what's interesting is that dropping red meat one day a week had a much greater impact."
The report said that those on lower incomes "are more likely to be overweight or obese and are less likely to consume the recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetable".
As cheaper foods tended to be high in added fats, sugar and refined grains, Mr Moore said the Government had to step in and defy the interests of industry groups who would suffer as a result of better eating habits.
*** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed, without profit, for research and educational purposes only. ***
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