Eating for the planet is a hot topic with many misconceptions surrounding it.

Here, experts weigh in on environmentally-friendly food myths.

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Its no secret that our planet is undergoing aclimate change crisis.

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food systems innovator, educator, ethicist, attorney and vice president of strategic initiatives at Sterling College

The good news is that there are a number of simple (and inexpensive!)

shifts that you might make to shift your daily decisions from detrimental to drivers of change.

But as Civita cautions, I think its important that we avoid heaping too much moralism on our plates!

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6 common environmentally-friendly food mythsand where to focus instead

Myth 1: Organic reigns king.

Organic agriculture has also become very industrialized and large scale, says Civita.

Organic eggs are still grown in confinement.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Organic dairy and beef cows are fed organic feed, but may be raised largely on concrete.

Point being, there are a lot of additional factors to consider beyond just the organic label.

Dont know where to start?

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

food systems innovator, educator, ethicist, attorney and vice president of strategic initiatives at Sterling College

Youll also cut down on the food miles your meal has to travel to get to your plate.

Myth 2: Vegan or bust.

We simply cannot continue to eat anywhere near as much meat as we collectively are at present.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

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Civitas advice?

Favorplant-based foods, but dont deny yourself modest amounts of responsibly-raised meat and dairy.

Myth 3: Its whats inside that matters.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

Its a major misconception that we can just focus on the food and not the packaging, says Civita.

Buying from bulk bins (bringing along your own glass jars if possible!)

and choosing more eco-friendly packaging can go a long way in mitigating the environmental impact of food choices.

Myth 4: Environmentally-friendly food is all about purchasing power.

Myth 5: One persons trash is anothers treasure.

Mind boggling amounts of the food grown and produced in the world goes to waste, according to Civita.

Mostwasted food ends up in landfills, where it generates methane, a particularly potent greenhouse gas.

Food waste represents excess production: Were growing much more food than we need, explains Civita.

Myth 6: Grocery bills will go up.

This brings us back to the beginning.

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