Food production is responsible for a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming, according to a University of Oxford study published in 2018. However, the researchers found that the environmental impact of different foods varies hugely. (Source: http://www.ox.ac.uk).
Many of us have cut down on using plastic bags and straws, recycle where possible and have turned the heating down a degree, or two. But have you considered how your weekly shop can change the world?
Meat and Fish
Most people eat beef several times a week. Think of the average weekday dinner which might be grilled chicken breasts, sausages, burgers, spaghetti Bolognese, chilli etc.
Professor Berners-Lee
Professor Berners-Lee, who specialises in climate change and sustainable food systems says: "I'm afraid to say that beef is the world's highest carbon meat of them all." He says chicken is better for the environment, but adds "it's still true to say that all meats are a less efficient way of doing agriculture than humans eating plant-based food."
Fish has the lowest carbon footprint but Professor Berners-Lee suggests asking a fishmonger for a sustainable variety and limiting fish to one or two small portions a week.
Eating Vegetarian Food
While we might not be keen on being vegetarian, cutting down is a great start. Going meat-free just one day a week can have a huge impact. Research published in 2018 showed that greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture would be reduced by more than a half if we all only ate one portion of red meat a week.
Fruit and vegetables
"Fruit and vegetables are almost always good sustainable foods", says Professor Berners-Lee.
When choosing fruits and vegetables, it's important to consider how they got to your plate. If they’re out of season, they’ve likely traveled a long way. Produce with thick, protective skins – like pineapples, apples, oranges, and bananas – usually arrive by boat, a far more sustainable option than air freight, which burns through vast amounts of fuel.
If you love strawberries or raspberries in winter, the best option is to buy them frozen. While it may seem like freezing adds to their carbon footprint, studies show that refrigeration has minimal impact.
Surprisingly, even different varieties of the same vegetable can have vastly different footprints. Tenderstem broccoli, for instance, is often air-freighted from Kenya, making it a much less sustainable choice than regular broccoli.
Being mindful of how our food is transported helps us make more sustainable choices.
Professor Mike Berners-Lee's golden rules:
Conclusion
What we're being told about putting measures in place to eat the right foods in the right season is not new. Growing up, I remember being told the exact same thing.
On the consumer's part, we must listen to the experts. We must all reduce our carbon footprint, including reducing our intake on foods such as meat and dairy. It is important we look at plant based foods, as an alternative to eating animals. I absolutely agree with Professor Mike Berners-Lee says, the author to this report.
It is vital we all follow the 'golden rules' on climate friendly foods, for the sake of our environment and future generations. (Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk)
Thank you for bringing Climate Friendly Foods to our attention, it's a very serious issue. It's one of those issues we ignore until disaster strikes, which is inevitable if we refuse to change our habits.
Unfortunately, I've never heard of Climate Friendly Foods before, until now.
Thanks Tim. You're welcome. Yes, it's not something we think about when we talk think about food. Now we should. It is a serious issue, on a par with climate change. Food producers need to look at their practices and as consumers, we must also.
I hope my blog goes some way to explain in more detail, what we as consumers should be looking out for. We are heading for problems, if we don't take these issues seriously.
This just goes to show how we can all do our bit to save the planet, we seem intent on destroying.
I stopped eating red meat years ago for health reasons and have reduced my dairy intake more recently. I am pleased that by accident, I am making a small contribution to eating climate friendly foods.
You should be because you are making a contribution to eating climate friendly foods.
I think we all must become mindful. Think about what we're doing and make the necessary changes to help not only us in our lives now but for future generations to come.
Also, as you have pointed out, you made those changes for health reasons. That alone is a good enough to reason to change your eating habits.