The U.S. is at a crossroads when it comes to nutrition and sustainable, and the upcoming 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans could play a pivotal role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future. With the federal nutrition wheels turning, the next set of guidelines could help combat climate change, prevent chronic diseases, and improve food security across the nation.
The Dietary Guidelines Scientific Advisory Committee just issued a report that will steer the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the USDA in framing such recommendations. Of course, although the report says that a strong emphasis is laid on the basis of evidence indicating the plant-based diet in reducing diseases and creating health equity, it does speak of substantial benefits in terms of reducing environmental harm.
A Plant-Rich Diet for Health and Sustainability
A sustainable diet is intrinsically beneficial to human nutrition, and it can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the committee has recommended an increase in the consumption of plant-based protein sources such as beans, peas, and lentils, while de-emphasizing red and processed meats. Such changes are aligned with both health and sustainability goals.
Replacing animal products with plant-based ones could reduce impacts dramatically. Researchers at the Center for Biological Diversity recently discovered that swapping two-thirds of meals within federal child nutrition programs, like the National School Lunch Program, from beef to beans could bring down greenhouse gases by 65%. That translates into removing about 4.2 million gas-guzzling cars off the roads for a year.
Similarly, replacing chicken stir fry with tofu stir fry would decrease emissions by 59.3%, and offering soy milk instead of cow’s milk would decrease emissions by more than 50%. These small changes could add up to massive reductions in greenhouse gases across federal food assistance programs and beyond.
The Broader Impact of Dietary Guidelines
The USDA’s child nutrition programs alone provide approximately 9 billion meals each year. Implementing adjustments according to the guidelines for sustainable diets will be very significant for the environment. Also, dietary guidelines shape federal food procurement and military, health systems, and state and local governments’ policies.
More sustainable food practices would make it possible for public health improvements, the fight against climate change, and security of our food systems. Animal-based products are commonly associated with chronic conditions like heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes as a result of high calorie, fat, and sodium levels. Conversely, the nutrient-dense, fiber-rich nature of plant-based foods can lead to better survival rates, while sustainable plant-based diets support beneficial agriculture, necessary for the long-term security of our food system.
The Call for Action
In reality, an unsustainable food system has begun to show signs of negative consequences in the form of severe weather events, degradation of soil, and loss of biodiversity. Issues of food insecurity and public health call for radical systemic changes in the way of eating.
The scientific advisory report has served as a great starting point, but the next administration could potentially disregard the environmental and sustainability aspects of these dietary guidelines. Public input will be the way to prevent that. The comment period for the advisory report runs until early February, which will give a window of opportunity to advocate for sustainability being included in the 2025-2030 guidelines.
By advocating for sustainable dietary guidelines, we can help reduce the U.S.’s greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health, and ensure a more secure food future. Speak up now to support a healthier, more sustainable food system.
