(NC) Food production impacts the planet. We all know there’s no Planet B, and it’s easy to become concerned about climate change. One way to ease eco-anxiety is to learn more about innovations in forward-thinking food production that are helping to protect the planet.

1. Regenerative agriculture: Regenerative agriculture is the practice of restoring nutrients and carbon in soil to create more sustainable and resilient land for farmers. Eco-conscious companies like Maple Leaf Foods are investing in regenerative agriculture practices within their supply chain and participating in programs that provide end-to-end support for growers and drive sustainability.

2. Anaerobic digestion: Anaerobic digestion is the process of bacteria breaking down organic matter (like food waste) and converting that waste into energy. This helps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that release into the atmosphere. Composting at home, for example, is a great way to turn food waste into soil, while reducing emissions created from landfills. On a larger scale, many farms are taking animal waste and turning it into a renewable fuel that can replace natural-gas consumption.

3. Pioneering packaging: The impact of food production goes far beyond the field. How food is packaged can reduce its environmental impact. Halopack is an eco-friendly solution that uses a 90 per cent recycled paperboard and 83 per cent less plastic when compared to traditional high-impact polystyrene trays.

4. Carbon neutral: Although a balancing act, there are leading-edge companies that have strived for carbon neutrality, and others like Maple Leaf Foods have even achieved carbon-neutral status. This means they’re reducing their emissions as much as they can and investing in environmental projects that balance out any remaining emissions.