05 August 2022
Press Release
For immediate release
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Email: press@wwf.org.uk
Better BBQs: How to eat for the planet and your pocket this bank holiday
- The global food system is the primary driver of nature loss, but small changes to the way we eat at home can make a real difference
- WWF’s Sustainable Diets experts share top tips on how to have a summer BBQ that’s better for our health, our pockets and, ultimately, our planet
- Get creative and include more plants in your BBQ recipes
Our global food system is the primary driver of nature loss, with 24,000 of the 28,000 (86%) species at risk of extinction.
Food production is not only the greatest cause of wildlife loss, but it also contributes to climate change: about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food.
While the scale of this crisis can feel overwhelming, lots of us making small changes to the way we eat at home can make a real difference. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact of our diets, and why not start with everyone’s favourite: the summer barbecue?
Reusable over disposable
First things first, pick your equipment wisely. Choose reusable over disposable and look for second-hand barbecues or ones made from recycled materials. If you’re feeling adventurous, Fairtrade or recycled fire bowls are a great option with a dual purpose as both a fire pit and barbecue, and can even be used as plant pots when summer is over. Looking after your barbecue, keeping it clean and storing it in a dry place over winter will also ensure it lasts for many years to come.
To fuel your fire, always make sure your charcoal is sustainably sourced by looking for the FSC-certified logo, and if your barbecue uses bas, make sure you reuse and recycle the gas cannisters correctly.
Eat more plants
According to WWF-UK's Sustainable Diets Manager, Joanna Trewern, “adopting a diet higher in vegetables and plant proteins and lower in meat and dairy is better for the planet, your health, and it can reduce your food costs by up to one third. It’s not about cutting meat and dairy out completely, but eating these foods in moderation.”
“Making simple swaps like replacing half the meat in your summer barbecue menu with plant protein including vegetables, whole grains, legumes and pulses will make the meat go further, save money and have added health benefits for you and the planet.”
Try experimenting with new recipes such as these Carrot and Chickpea Burgers, which use minimal, fresh, natural ingredients and are delicious for the whole family to enjoy. Pulses are a great source of delicious plant protein and chickpeas are also proven to restore soils when grown, evidencing a direct environmental benefit of growing them.
Keep it colourful
Variety is everything when it comes to your summer plate and it's time to make food fun again! Growing and eating a variety of foods is important to improve soil health and climate change resilience, and currently, 75% of the food we eat comes from just 12 plants and 5 animal species.
From aubergines to fennel, beetroot to courgettes, there are plenty of colourful summer vegetables that taste delicious grilled on the barbecue, as well as a wide variety of produce such as tomatoes, spinach, potatoes, peppers, spring onion and celery which can be used to create versatile, healthy salads using low-cost ingredients. Try incorporating whole grains and beans for added protein that will satisfy any appetite.
Jamie Oliver, Tesco and WWF have developed some delicious veg-packed recipes with the planet in mind. Why not try your hand at this Rainbow Veg Salad or Speedy Veggie Noodles as side dishes to elevate your barbecue menu.
Smart seafood
For fish-lovers, reducing pressure on overfished species such as haddock, prawns, salmon and tuna can be achieved by swapping to more sustainable alternatives. These species account for 63% of all fish and seafood sold but there are better options if you care about nature and the planet.
Surprise your barbecue guests with something different and opt for whole grilled Alaskan pollock or European hake, or climate-friendly marinated sardines or anchovies. By making these choices you can help protect the world’s oceans and the 800 million people who rely on them for food and income.
Less and better
Eating for the planet doesn’t mean cutting meat and dairy out altogether. When reared in the right way, animals play an important role in maintaining biodiversity on farms and improving soil quality. But for the meat and dairy you do eat, WWF recommends buying “less and better”.
“We can all do our bit to help the planet by making small changes to the food we put on our plates every day.” Joanna Trewern, Sustainable Diets Manager, WWF-UK
Discover more about the simple swaps you can make to bring change to the table with WWF’s #Eat4Change simple food swaps guide.
ENDS
About WWF:
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, active in nearly 100 countries.
Our supporters – more than five million of them – are helping us to restore nature and to tackle the main causes of nature’s decline, particularly the food system and climate change. We’re working to ensure a world with thriving habitats and species, and to change hearts and minds so it becomes unacceptable to overuse our planet’s resources.
WWF. For your world.
For wildlife, for people, for nature.