Mediterranean Diet as a sustainable dietary pattern: Environmental Footprint of Mediterranean Foods
Dear students,
you will work according to this WebQuest to explore how the Mediterranean diet can be a win-win for your health and the environment! You will compare the Mediterranean diet with Vegetarian and typical Western, using case studies and carbon footprint calculators. Discover how your food choices can reduce emissions and conserve resources and create a campaign to showcase the benefits of a diet that's good for you and the planet.
Mediterranean diet as a holistic option for environmental sustainability
The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, also positively impacts the environment. It emphasizes plant-based foods, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land and water use, and support for biodiversity. Additionally, its focus on local and seasonal produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
Review the following presentation and comment on the question included to explore how the Mediterranean diet is a sustainable choice that benefits both individual health and the planet overall.
Comparison of three diets- Group formation & Case Study Distribution
You will be divided in 3 transnational groups and provided a case study with a typical three- day meal plan from a Vegetarian, a typical Western and the Mediterranean diet.
Choose your group and review your assignment in the following Google Doc.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Db0vbjUcAESWwIe841CABkBcm03jizCzUWKx4tD86uY/edit?usp=sharing
Calculate the carbon footprint of your assigned diet
Upload your calculations and comment on the padlet the following:
Surprising findings about carbon footprints of different foods on these three diets.
Compare the carbon footprint of your assigned diet with the Mediterranean diet.
Why the Mediterranean diet has a lower carbon footprint by considering factors such as plant-based food consumption, limited red meat, and the use of local and seasonal foods.
Create a campaign to promote the benefits of Mediterranean Diet
Post on the Twinboard posters, social media posts or videos that focus both on the health and the environmental impacts of the Mediterranean Diet.