Why Oats are the Eco-Eater’s Best Friend

Cereals

Eco-friendly and sustainable living has become a top priority for many people in recent years. The effects of climate change are seen every day, with some experts warning that we are nearing a time where we’ll have to make rapid, effective change to negate the impact we’ve had on the planet so far. The food we eat is crucial, and oats can be a fantastic, low-carbon addition to your diet. 

You can make oats into a wide range of ingredients to help you live your best eco-eater life. This article will discuss some of the incredible ways oats can be added to your diet and help reduce your carbon footprint. 

You Can Buy Oats Locally 

Shopping for oats locally reduces the emissions from distribution and delivery. It is a good idea to find a reputable local farm or eco-food producer to buy your oats from. This is a win-win for any ethical eater, as you reduce your carbon footprint while supporting local businesses. It is a good idea to make a list of local farms that produce oats. You can then research their farming practices to ensure that they offer the best in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. 

You Can Choose Oat Vendors With Green Credentials

Oats
Oats are displayed in the glass bowl

It can be helpful to look for vendors and farms which produce oats and have accreditation from a recognized eco-friendly organization. Green America is a good example of what to look for when deciding which vendor to use. Look for their Trustmark when you shop online for oats or talk to vendors in person.  

Looking for a business with accreditation can help you identify which local oat growers and vendors are committed to sustainability. Most organizations require a company to adhere to strict rules for farming and other practices to quality if their accreditation, giving you the peace of mind you need when choosing an ethical oat supplier. 

You Can Buy Oats In Bulk To Reduce Waste Packaging 

Waste packaging is a serious concern for many eco-eaters. A lot of foodstuffs, including oats, come with multiple layers of packaging in varying materials. Increasingly, food manufacturers are choosing to package their products in eco-friendly packaging, but this can still result in waste if not recycled properly. 

By shopping in bulk for your oats, you can ensure that there is minimal packaging. Oats are a great kitchen staple, as they keep for a long time and can be used in a wide range of dishes. By buying oats in bulk, you can ensure that you get the best deal on your kitchen essentials while keeping packaging to a minimum. 

Oats Help You Save Money While Saving The Planet 

Not only are oats a better option for the environment, but they also offer fantastic value for money. Local farmers’ markets will often have bulk oats on sale for low prices. When compared to animal-based products, oats are incredibly cheap. They can also be made into various other ingredients to supplement your plant-based diet, meaning you have to visit fewer stores to get the ingredients you need for a meal.

You Can Create Staple Kitchen Ingredients From Oats 

Oats can be used in a massive range of ways. There is the classic breakfast of oatmeal, and you can make tasty treats like flapjacks. You can also use them in place of other grains like rice to create filling, healthy and plant-based meals for the whole family. 

You could also find out more about making flour from oats. While oat flour is available readymade in many supermarkets, learning to make your own can help cut costs and further reduce your carbon footprint. It is a simple process, and oat flour can help you make a range of delicious baked goods. Check out A Clean Bake’s guide to learn more about making oat flour at home. 

You Can Encourage Sustainable Crop Rotation By Buying Oats

Oats are an excellent way for farmers to practice sustainable crop rotation. When included in a three- or four-year crop rotation, oats can prevent soil erosion and reduce the amount of carbon produced by growing crops. Oats require minimal water, often getting all the water they need from what naturally occurs in the soil they’re planted in. This reduces the need for irrigation of the crops and cuts back on the amount of water it takes to produce. 

Oats Help Make The Most Of A Plant-Based Diet 

When switching to a plant-based diet, it is crucial to include as much variety as possible. With oats being so versatile, they can help you create a filling and healthy plant-based meals. While they are traditionally seen as a breakfast food, you can use them in various ways for any meal. 

Oats Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

While oats do still have a carbon footprint, this is a lot slower than the carbon footprint for meat and meat-based products. It is essential to do your homework and find the most ethical and sustainable supplier for your oats to reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible. 

Oat Milk Reduces The Need For Cow Milk

Milk
Milk is shown in different glassware

There are many options available as alternatives to cow milk, and oat milk is rapidly becoming one of the most popular. There are various oat milk options to be found in your local supermarket. It is a good idea to research the companies that produce oat milk and choose the one with sustainability practices you’re comfortable with. You can use oat milk in all the ways cow milk can, from cereal to baking to putting in your coffee. 

Conclusion 

Oats should be a staple for any eco-eater out there. The number of things you can do with oats is impressive, and overall, it is a crop that has a minimal impact on the environment. It is important to research local suppliers and vendors to choose the right place to buy all your oats and oat-based products. You should also learn about how to cook with oats so that you can get the most out of this incredible food staple.

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