“Green roofs can capture nearly all the microplastic particles that contaminate rainwater in modern cities, according to a new study. The findings add to the list of benefits of green roofs, which have previously been shown to reduce energy needed for heating and cooling buildings and calm the flow of stormwater. These nature-based solutions canContinue reading “Green roofs can capture nearly all microplastics that contaminate rainwater in modern cities: New research”
Author Archives: greengrass50
Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy
During my trip to Ecuador in late June, I dined at Somos Restaurant, in Quito, Ecuador. The theme of Somos restaurant is “Ecuadorian Born, Globally Inspired.” Somos restaurant specializes in preparing locally-available, indigenous foods and advocates for sustainable gastronomy. Here are some photos of the impressive restaurant, including the delicious dishes we sampled from theContinue reading “Somos restaurant: Ecuadorian born, globally inspired sustainable gastronomy”
Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds
Tearing off plastic wrap from the meat or prepackaged fruit and vegetables you purchased at the supermarket may contaminate your food with micro- and nanoplastics, according to a new research review published in the journal NPJ Science of Food. “Plastic contamination may also occur when you’re unwrapping deli meat and cheese, steeping a tea bagContinue reading “Microplastics shed by food packaging are contaminating our food and drink, new scientific review finds”
The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table
The story of açaí begins in the depths of the Amazon rainforest, where local tribes regarded it as a precious source of energy and vitality. It’s no coincidence that the name “açaí” means “fruit that cries” in the Tupi language, referring to how the pulp flows from the fruit. For generations, Amazonian communities have harvested these smallContinue reading “The açaí berry: The journey from the Amazon rainforest to your table”
Ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, international study finds
In a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine (Nilson et al., 2025), researchers reported “a linear dose-response association between the ultra-processed food consumption and all-cause mortality” when they examined official surveys previously undertaken in the United Kingdom (UK) and US, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile and Mexico. (NilsonContinue reading “Ultra-processed food increases risk of early death, international study finds”
Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics
In a recent commentary published in the journal Brain Medicine, three medical doctors (MDs) identified dietary and lifestyle-based strategies that may reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). This commentary was published shortly after a research study published in Nature Medicine reported that the human brain contains “approximately a spoon’s worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs).”Continue reading “Dietary & lifestyle strategies to reduce human exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics”
Better food labels may help consumers choose more climate-friendly foods: New study
A new research study published in the journal Appetite has found that carbon food labels can encourage consumers to switch from animal-based to plant-based foods. Globally, there is increasing interest in carbon food labelling, given its potential to nudge consumers towards more sustainable food choices. Carbon Food Labeling: Closing The Knowledge Gap Previous research has shown thatContinue reading “Better food labels may help consumers choose more climate-friendly foods: New study”
A new approach to nutrition science is needed to address current food systems challenges
An informative and timely new editorial has been published in Nutrition & Dietetics (February 2025). The editorial is titled “A new approach to nutrition science is needed to address current food systems challenges” (Machado, 2025). Here, the author notes that: “Promoting healthy and sustainable food systems for current and future generations is central in realisingContinue reading “A new approach to nutrition science is needed to address current food systems challenges”
World Pulses Day 2025: February 10, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems”
February 10, 2025 is World Pulses Day 2025. The theme for World Pulses Day 2025 is, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems.” Pulses bring diversity to our agrifood systems in multiple ways: on the farm, in our diets and through value-added products. They boost biodiversity on farms by enriching cropping systems with more species. WithContinue reading “World Pulses Day 2025: February 10, “Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems””
New Report: Grains of Truth 2024
A newly published report titled: “Grains of Truth 2024: Taste Price Optimism & Obstacles: Habit Convenience Health” reveals a mixed picture of progress and challenges in the global food system. The report highlights the growing interest in plant-based diets, with 68 percent of people worldwide expressing a desire to eat more plant-based foods. However, onlyContinue reading “New Report: Grains of Truth 2024”
Sustainable RDN 