Changing your diet is one of the more significant ways you can decrease your overall environmental impact due to all of the land, water, and energy it takes to grow our food. With that in mind, USC has a 14-point food philosophy that can help guide you on your way to making environmentally friendly food choices.
Tips & Actions
Choose local, organic, and seasonal foods
Local foods cut down on food-miles traveled; organic foods are grown without harmful pesticides; and seasonal foods are fresher and packed with more nutrients. Check labels at the dining halls to find local foods.
Focus on minimally-processed foods
Processed foods are higher in fat, sugar, and salt. Plus, they require more energy to produce and more packaging for transport. Help your body and the environment by choosing minimally processed foods which can be found in the dining halls and in many restaurants on campus.
Only take what you know you will eat
Reduce food waste by taking appropriate portion sizes. Still hungry? You can always go back for seconds, or thirds, or fourths...
Think "produce first" to eat lower on the food chain
Eating a plant-based diet saves energy and water, and cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions. If eating more vegetables intimidates you, you can start small by eating chicken instead of red meat once a week.
Lettuce, tomatoes, and beets OH MY! Check out the Trojan Farmers Market, every Wednesday from 11AM - 3PM at McCarthy Quad.
