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Food boarder with GBGW logo in the centre

The impact that food has on our environment

Food boarder with GBGW logo in the centre
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The food we eat has a big impact on the environment.  Reports by United Nations experts have said that the high consumption of meat and dairy produce by western countries is contributing to global warming. This is caused during the different stages of the lifecycle of food: 

  • Production – the fertilisers, pesticides, animal feed, water and energy used to grow food 
  • Processing – harvesting crops and dispatching animals, and the energy used in creating secondary foods  
  • Transportation – from farms to processing plants to shops and then finally to your home 
  • Storage and cooking – refrigerating and then cooking the food you’ve bought 
  • Waste – both the food you throw away and unsold food disposed of by shops and other food outlets 

Each stage will have a different impact on a food’s carbon footprint. By learning which foods have the largest and smallest carbon footprints you can help to reduce your individual carbon footprint overall. 

 

Action you can take 

  • Reduce your meat consumption by eating vegetarian/vegan for a few days a week. 

  • Be adventurous and try new vegetarian recipes using plant-based ingredients that you haven’t tried before.   

  • Understand the meanings of green and ethical labels on your food and drink. 

  • Avoid food waste by planning your meals and only buying what you need. 

  • Grow your own; from herb filled window boxes to vegetables in plant pots, a garden or in an allotment not only provides you with fresh food but a feel-good factor too. 

 

Explore more ways on how to cut your food carbon footprint and remember to share your good ideas on greener ways to shop, eat and enjoy food with family, friends and colleagues. 

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