Food and Climate Position Statement
March 15, 2024
The Community Environmental Council (CEC) recognizes the importance of sustainable dietary choices in mitigating the negative impacts of conventional agriculture. Industrial-scale farming, including large-scale animal agriculture, often leads to environmental degradation, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and poses risks to human health and ecosystems. Agricultural workers face dangerous conditions and health hazards due to exposure to pesticides, heavy machinery, and other occupational risks.
CEC advocates for regenerative agricultural practices that promote soil health, carbon sequestration, and water conservation. By collaborating with local farmers and ranchers to incentivize sustainable management techniques for crops and rangeland, we contribute to broader efforts aimed at transforming agricultural systems for the better. In acknowledging this, we recognize that many traditional diets across diverse communities have long embraced sustainable, equitable, and predominantly plant-forward foodways, often complemented by responsibly sourced animal products.
Understanding the diverse factors that shape our food choices, such as access, affordability, health, culture, and tradition, CEC promotes a thoughtful approach to eating. Whether you follow a plant-forward or omnivorous diet, we encourage exploring climate-friendly options whenever feasible. By doing so, we not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also champion food justice by advocating for equitable access to nutritious ethically sourced foods, and prioritize the well-being of farm and food system workers, ensuring safety, equity, and dignity for all involved.