Nearly 75 percent of millennials, 72 percent of Generation Z, and 51 percent of baby boomers are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced products, according to a recent report by Nielsen. And consumers of all ages are becoming more aware of the food system’s impact on the environment, human rights violations in the food system, and the loss of nutrient density that results from unsustainable farming and production practices. More and more companies—both big and small—are taking notice and are offering more products to meet the growing demand.
While there is no official certification process that encompasses all aspects of sustainability—similar to the organic certification conducted by the National Organic Program (NOP)—various organizations around the world have developed their own criteria. Commonly accepted practices include water and energy conservation, low greenhouse gas emission targets, the humane treatment of animals, eco-friendly packaging, fair working conditions, and maintaining a small business. The Fair Trade Certified™ seal ensures people making Fair Trade Certified goods work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. The Rainforest Alliance seal is awarded to farm and forest products that address biodiversity conservation, protect endangered species, mitigate climate change, and use natural resources wisely. And in 2018, the Rodale Institute introduced the Regenerative Organic Certification that provides guidance for farming and ranching operations, transportation, slaughter, and processing facilities that produce food, cosmetics, and fiber.
Daniela Uribe, owner and founder of Lazy Bear Tea which crafts beverages from sustainably sourced ingredients, tells Food Tank, “When we think about sustainable sourcing we think about a few different factors. First, are the practices used to grow these ingredients environmentally sound and do they promote better stewardship of natural resources? Second, are the people involved in growing these ingredients fairly compensated for their work? And finally, are we mitigating any potentially harmful unintended consequences that may result from our use of these ingredients?” Whether you’re looking for a salty snack to grab on the go or a refreshing beverage to quench your thirst, there are plenty of sustainably sourced foods ready to use your purchasing power for good. To view the full article visit Food Tank.