Canada as a nation of conscious consumers
Foods we choose impact our world
We are fast becoming a nation of conscious consumers.
So says Ned Bell, food TV personality, professional chef and cyclist, who is the Ocean Wise executive chef at the Vancouver Aquarium, and founder of Chefs for Oceans.
A finalist for the 2017 Seafood Champion Award for Advocacy (to be announced in June), Bell has a reputation as a culinary influencer, noting that “Canadians have never been more aware of what they eat and how it impacts not only our body, but the world around us.”
He knows of what he speaks — this award-winning chef has biked 8,700 km across Canada and hosted dozens of events featuring some of the finest chefs in the country to raise awareness for sustainable seafood, and healthy lakes, oceans and rivers.
A member of the Loblaw Food Council that identifies food trends, Bell says the “new conscious consumer” is someone who “explores new food options based on a desire to cook with ingredients that are produced sustainably and from local sources, while actively looking for alternatives to meat-based sources of protein and reducing waste while cooking.”
Bell says the conscious consumer is all about global responsibility, and making food choices that are not only good for the consumer, but good for the planet, too.
“My work ... is all about engaging, educating and raising awareness about the importance of healthy lakes, oceans and rivers across Canada and, with that, sustainable seafood,” says Bell, adding “as a member of the Loblaw Food Council, I’ve worked with chefs and culinary experts across Canada to identify areas that can directly impact Canadian consumers and the future of our food landscape in our country. It’s important for me to help bring awareness to the growing trend of conscious consumption.”
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Follow the seasons: Make fruit and vegetable choices based on what is the freshest in the market. Globally insured, locally created:
Look to incorporate global flavours into locally sourced family meals by trying different spices or sauces. Cook with sustainable seafood:
You’ll make great food and have amazing impact on the planet.
Cook with your family: When everyone is involved in cooking meals, they become more educated on what they are using to fuel their bodies.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD?
Ocean Wise defines sustainability based on four criteria: Resilient to fishing pressures. Well managed with a comprehensive management plan based on current research.
Harvested in a method that ensures limited bycatch on non-target and endangered species.
Harvested in ways that limit damage to marine or aquatic habitats and negative interactions with other species.