![]() ![]() ![]() Land animals also consume microplastics, although, unlike with fish, we tend not to eat their digestive systems. Maybe not strictly carbon footprint related, but microplastics, tiny pieces ranging from 5 millimetres down to 100 nanometers in diameter, are everywhere and a recent article from the World Economic Forum suggested that they have been found in a range of foods from fish to honey, chicken, and beer.īesides polluting seas and oceans, microplastics are swallowed by fish and other marine creatures and enter our system when we eat seafood. Microplastics in the Azores (Photo: Creative Commons) One study found that deforestation related to soy production in Brazil is responsible for 29% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Cerrado, a savanna ecoregion of Brazil, has lost half of its natural vegetation to soybean plantations. Trying to feed all those cows has meant that the expansion in soy has led to deforestation and the decline in other valuable ecosystems that store carbon. Around 70% of the global soy production is fed directly to livestock.īeef racks up to 105kg of Co2e per 100g, while tofu produces less than 3.5kg. A 2009 report by the WWF found that in the UK, tomato, pepper, and cucumber production is worse for the environment than chicken and turkey.ĭemand for soy is driving deforestation, but think again before you put all the blame onto tofu eaters or the vegan movement. Natural gas and electricity are used for the heating and lighting of greenhouses for tomatoes in the UK, contributing to their high carbon footprint. For sandwich eaters, cutting out tomatoes from a classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) may be better for the environment. Researchers from the University of Manchester recently calculated the carbon footprint of ingredients in British sandwiches. So here’s a couple of things you may not already know about the carbon footprint of your favourite dishes.Ĭhicken isn’t the most carbon-intensive meat, but it may come as a surprise to know that some of our favourite veggies have an equally poor carbon record. Yearly, we produce five billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from crop and livestock production.įrom seed to mouth, it can be easy to forget how much in terms of production goes into our food. Everything we buy has a carbon footprint and food is no exception. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |