Food’s Carbon Footprint

I have recently found myself absorbed in climate change theory and news. Consequently, I have been assessing all aspects of my life in terms of their carbon cost. For example, what dietary choices could I make to lower my carbon impact? What lifestyle choices could I alter to do my part? Prior to taking this class, I had a sense of learned helplessness relative to climate change and how my individual choices could make a difference on something that had global impacts. However, with more education came empowerment.

In my internet venture, I was led to article after article on the connection between the food we eat and the footprint we leave behind. One of the articles I stumbled across (link here) outlined the importance of a climate based diet and placed some of the most commonly consumed foods in terms of a carbon footprint equal to that of a number of miles driven by car. The top three were Lamb (39.2 kilos of CO2 = 91 miles driven by car), Beef (27.0 kilos of CO2 = 63 miles driven by car), and cheese (13.5 kilos of CO2 = 31 miles driven by car). Through creating this comparison, it is apparent why reforming our ‘American’ diet could play a massive role in reducing the expenditure on our nations carbon budget. Especially considering how much our nation idolizes large portions, beef products (burgers, steak, etc.), and cheese. By replacing these foods with greener alternatives— fruits, veggies, or even chicken/fish— we could see a massive shift in carbon dioxide production. This seems completely manageable right? From a system-thinking and public health standpoint, it also has massive health benefits as well.

Here is a chart demonstrating the significance of such a minor lifestyle adjustment.

**Note how similar “No Beef” and “Vegetarian” diets are relative to their carbon footprint. **

Inspired by my newly acquired knowledge, I decided to make this a resolution for a two-week trial period and, hopefully, permanently. So out with the cows and in with the new (Who knew Chick-Fila was so environmentally conscious?).

It’s been two weeks on my new “diet” and I’ve realized that I pretty much eat this way anyway. I meal prep my food on Sunday so that I have meals planned out for the week. With the exception of a few of my go to meals, I felt that it was fairly easy to be consciously green. For example, I love to make quinoa noodles with homemade tomato sauce and seasoned ground beef. By replacing the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and/or ground chicken or turkey, I have both reduced my carbon footprint and created a healthier meal at the same time.

The following is a list of the nine top tips that the aforementioned website provided for those who want to reduce their dietary carbon footprint the most:

1). Eat vegetarian (Meat is climate murder)

2). Bring back home cooking (Control waste and what you eat)

3). Cook smarter (Assess the efficiency of what you use to cook)

4). Eat organic (To be organic-certified, farmers must follow much more eco-friendly farming practices)

5).Save water (Reconsider your water efficiency. When you cut out meat, you save a lot of water)

6). Shop wiser (Consider if there is a greener alternative to what you are about to buy)

7). Shop local (Cut out the middleman. Support local farmers

8). Reduce, reuse, recycle (What could you repurpose the container for?)

9). Grow your own food (Why not test your green thumb? Save money and have some fun!)

I definitely think that this is something that I can manage and promote for years to come. I was a little hesitant given that I am already on a fairly strict diet (I am Celiac). However, it really was not a burden. The most challenging part has been promoting this behavior in others. People a very reluctant in advice concerning their dietary liberties or their liberties in general. It’s an uphill battle but I’m confident.

-Jackson Hartley