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Health Professionals’ Role in Promoting Health and Environmental Sustainability through Sustainable Food Advocacy: A Systematic Literature Review

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  • Mirko Prosen

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia)

  • Rebeka Lekše

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia)

  • Sabina Ličen

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia)

Abstract

The relationship between health, environmental sustainability, and food systems has garnered increasing attention, emphasizing the crucial role of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices. This systematic literature review aimed to examine their role in promoting health and environmental sustainability through sustainable food advocacy. Following a systematic and rigorous methodology, eligible articles published in English within the past five years were searched and screened, resulting in a total of five articles for further analysis. The review revealed the fragmented debate on food security and sustainability, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems to address various challenges. Specific actions identified include reducing plate waste in hospitals, implementing sustainable food sourcing strategies in healthcare to mitigate the climate footprint, and promoting sustainable nutrition. The findings underscore the importance of education, community engagement, governance, and a systemic approach in driving positive change regarding nutrition, health, and sustainability. This review offers important perspectives for healthcare practice, allied health educational programs, research, and public health policy development. It highlights the importance of healthcare professionals in advocating for sustainable food practices, which play a critical role in improving health outcomes and reducing environmental impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Mirko Prosen & Rebeka Lekše & Sabina Ličen, 2023. "Health Professionals’ Role in Promoting Health and Environmental Sustainability through Sustainable Food Advocacy: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:18:p:13651-:d:1238527
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Lena D. Stephens & Judi Porter & Mark Lawrence, 2021. "Healthy and Environmentally Sustainable Food Procurement and Foodservice in Australian Aged Care and Healthcare Services: A Scoping Review of Current Research and Training," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(20), pages 1-34, October.
    4. Daniel Francisco Pais & António Cardoso Marques & José Alberto Fuinhas, 2023. "How to Promote Healthier and More Sustainable Food Choices: The Case of Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-23, February.
    5. Juan Carlos González-Salamanca & Olga Lucía Agudelo & Jesús Salinas, 2020. "Key Competences, Education for Sustainable Development and Strategies for the Development of 21st Century Skills. A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-17, December.
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    9. Niloufar Fallah Shayan & Nasrin Mohabbati-Kalejahi & Sepideh Alavi & Mohammad Ali Zahed, 2022. "Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-27, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chahid E. Fourali, 2024. "The Case for Multidisciplinary Frameworks for Developing Effective Solutions to Complex Human Problems: An Illustration Based on Development Education, Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Marke," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Murugan Shanmugam Meena & Alagar Jayakalaiarasi & Jesuraj Mariyaraj & Edwin Edward-Sam & Rathinavel Kanthasamy & Ganapathy Vanaraj & Subramanian Mutheeswaran, 2025. "Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Use of Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India," Inventum Biologicum: An International Journal of Biological Research, World BIOLOGICA, vol. 5(1), pages 15-23.
    3. Carlos Carvalhais & Inês Ribeiro & Ana Xavier & Miguel Saúde, 2025. "Sustainability in Allied Health Education and Practice: An Exploratory Survey of Student Perspectives, Knowledge, and Attitudes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.

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