9. Bananas
Not only are bananas brought in from South America, but their spoilage rates are high, according to a Swedish study. In this study, bananas produced the highest wasted mass for grocers and the highest environmental cost due to this waste.
On the bright side, overripe bananas are easily frozen and a great option for baking or throwing into smoothies. By purchasing brown bananas, you help reduce kitchen waste, while supporting the planet’s health – not to mention, your own!
What you can do today:
Vegetables have the lowest impact on the environment. So if you already follow a plant-based diet, you’re doing the earth a huge favor. Want to reduce your environmental impact even more? Focus on:
- Buying your fruits and vegetables seasonally to reduce waste.
- Buying local produce to reduce transportation costs.
10. Rice
A standout among carbs, rice takes a higher toll on the environment. According to Oxfam, rice cultivation makes up a staggering one-third of annual freshwater-use for the globe. Thankfully, new methods of rice cultivation are drastically reducing water usage, leading to much more sustainable farming practices.