Why Co2 labeling food raises awareness and can minimize your ecological footprint.
Food is one of the largest Co2 producers worldwide. 20 – 25 % of the world’s global greenhouse gas emissions emerge from the way we eat. The industrial revolution caused a massive rise in – let’s make it simple – everything. Imagine if all products you buy had a Co2 label, just like a price or calorie tag.
Would you then think twice about buying chive from China ?
By being aware of our products ecological footprint we can make an impact. Living sustainable is not a trend anymore. Whoever is wasting is out – being eco is the new cool !
The way to the heart is through the stomach
We all eat. The human hunger for food seems endless. But how can we make sure that the food we love also aligns with our values and provides a healthy ecosystem for future generations ?
Pasta with tomato sauce and basil – it’s as simple as that and heavenly delicious – especially italians know how to make food love. A colourful summer salad with seasonal vegetables and a delicious dressing – what could be more pleasing for one´s eye. Or do you prefer fries and beer ?
Sourced locally, all of these dishes can have a low impact on our environment. According to studies reducing the distance from the field to our plates does not only help reduce carbon, it also increases nutritional value and keeps vitamins in our food.
Big supermarket chains have taught us to love food no matter where it comes from and no matter how much Co2 it produces. We are so used to being able to access any vegetable or fruit we like at any time of the year that it has become normal.
Living and eating with the seasons is the exception and valuing tropical fruits like bananas seems to be out of mind.
What if we would live in alignment with the earth’s produce at the place we live ? Would our bodies align with our surroundings and be in harmony ?
The good news: eating 100 % local is possible
A family, living in Canada, Yukon conducted an experiment by giving up on buying food from the supermarket. For one year they decided to only eat what can be gathered, hunted, fished, foraged, grown or raised around their hometown. No coffee, no sugar, no salt, no bananas, no beans.
But what if you´re not a family, not living in Yukon and you´re not going to give up on supermarket groceries, but still want to do something about earth’s wellbeing ? Well, then here are a few things you can do that seem more realistic for the most of us:
5 things you can do to eat more local
- Find out what is seasonal in your country
There are plenty of tables that show what grows when. Check out the seasonal food guide.
- Inform yourself about your local farms
Farmer markets are always a good opportunity to buy highly nutritional food sourced locally. Google “farmers market near me” and you´ll see your options in a second. Alternatively you could also join a local food corporation or join a community supported agriculture program.
- Research local restaurants
Have you heard about farm to table restaurants ? It’s a global movement that supports local food and gains more and more popularity.
- Plant your own
Whether you live in a small apartment or in a big house with a garden, there is always a ray of sunlight and there is always water somewhere. Try to plant your own crops. Freeze, dry and preserve what can not be used right away.
- Check the land of origin
When you buy food make sure it has been produced close by.
This all sounds feasible to you, but you are not sure if you are really up to making a change yet ? Would it be easier making this change happen, if you’d know about the ecological footprint of the food you choose to buy ?
Would you then prioritize apples that produced less Co2 ?
How much Co2 is my food producing ?
You can find out how much Co2 your food is producing by using food emission calculators. Being aware of your footprint and reducing it, helps slow down global warming and some claim it eventually benefits your health and cuts costs.
Have a look at this table that shows the most Co2 producing food:
Meat is without doubt the most Co2 producing category. On one hand there is a trend towards veganism, on the other hand statistics show a dramatic rise of global meat production:
Where is this leading ?
To be more aware of the impact of our meat and general food consumption we can use Co2 food calculators.
Co2 Food Calculators
BBC´s Our planet matters: this one is easy to use – perfect for consumers ! It compares your footprint to measurements like a car drive, heating and amount of water used. It also shows alternatives and how they perform in comparison.
Vegan society: This calculator is very helpful if you order food often or eat a lot in restaurants. Although it´s posted by the vegan society it shows meat, fish, diary and everything else that is not vegan.
Foodemissions : This Co2 emissions calculator for food is pretty technical and uses data that can be of informational value for the b2b sector.
While it might be a challenge to give up on bananas, oriental spices or a good steak every now and then, wouldn’t it be easy to raise awareness by adding Co2 labels to our food ?
Co2 Labelling Food
The aim behind Co2 labelling food is allowing consumers to consciously choose to reduce their ecological footprint.
Studies confirm that carbon labelling causes lower-emission food choices.
They also show that consumers generally underestimate their foods impact on the environment.
Companies like carboncloud who offer climate footprint solutions for food are pioneers whose goal is to make our choices measurable. EU initiatives driving forces in this direction and first movers like just salad in New York adds carbon labels to their menu.
Things start to move towards a greener tomorrow. Whether you reduce your ecological footprint by being aware of your Co2 emissions, reducing food waste or eating more local.
Whoever is wasting is out – being eco is the new cool !
