Food
Food is essential for all life, as is the soil it grows in. The food we eat can impact us and the environment in a multitude of ways, the more we understand about where our food comes from the more likely we are to reconsider what food we buy and ways in which not to waste it.
It is estimated that food waste contributes towards 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 25% of an individual’s emissions.
Food waste reduction not only has the benefit of decreased emissions but also helps to improve food security, has economic advantages, reduced pressure on land, water, biodiversity and waste management systems, however at current these benefits are slow on the uptake.
What can you do?
There’s a whole bunch of actions available to help you to reduce your emissions, here are our top tips:
- Eat seasonal, local, wonky and organic – choosing to eat local, seasonal food is often better for you and the environment as it does not have to travel as far to get to your supermarket, greengrocer or local farm shop. Organic food is grown without artificial fertilisers and pesticides, which helps to support biodiversity. Purchasing wonky food diverts fruit and veg in funky shapes and sizes away from waste by changing standards, not lowering them.
- Avoid air-freighted food – non-EU food is flown around the world to get to your supermarket, generating a high carbon footprint. Check the country of origin before you purchase your fruit and vegetables, although remember food with thick skin like oranges and bananas are mainly transported by boat, so you can enjoy these low carbon foods guilt-free! You can also use a seasonal food guide to check what food is likely to be grown locally.
- Less meat and dairy – reducing your meat and dairy intake will have the largest impact on your carbon footprint, particularly when avoiding red meat. Cows and sheep produce methane emissions and have a high carbon footprint. Trying out Meat-Free Mondays and other classic vegetarian meals can reduce your footprint, but also lead to a healthier diet.
- Know your impact - use the Good Fish Guide created by the Marine Conservation Society to understand your impact on the ocean and whether your food choices impact the environment. Learn which seafood to avoid and which are the best choice.
- Reduce food waste – when food goes to landfill, it not only wastes our money but rots and releases methane emissions. Instead of throwing it away, freeze any food that you will not eat in time (if freezer safe), explore leftover recipe ideas or add it to a compost bin for your garden.
- Avoid plastic packaging – try to buy food without packaging and wash it when you get home. This is especially important for non-recyclable plastic packaging. If you can, go to local shops and markets where you can bring your own containers to fill.
- Use your reusables – if you love a coffee in the morning, get yourself a reusable cup and save hundreds of non-recyclable paper cups per year, some places even offer discounts if you bring your own cup.