Why it matters| Why It Matters |
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| Local Food - Local Food |
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FOOD & CO2 - THE LINK UNRAVELLED... Did you know that greenhouse gases are emitted at each stage of food production from growing, processing and packaging to transportation? The choices we make when we purchase our food can make a difference! Growing A study in the USA (McLaughlan et al 2000) suggests that 31% of the total greenhouse gases emitted through producing and distributing food come from the manufacture of inorganic fertilisers. A further 19% of emissions are generated by the use of field machinery. Supporting organic farming practices that don't utilise inorganic inputs can greatly reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Production & Processing Did you know that the products that go into making a tin can have, in total, traveled over 17,000km!* The more packaged food is, whether in plastic, cardboard, polystyrene or others, the more energy has been used and the more greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. Recycling the packaging is a great thing to do, but not buying overly packaged food in the first place is even better! Food Miles You have no doubt heard the term food miles. This term describes the distance that food has travelled from the farmer who has grown it to its point of sale. This can include travel from the farmer to a processor, then to a key distribution point where it then goes out to the retailer! Food is increasingly being imported to Australia from overseas. This demand is in part driven by our demand to have food whenever we want it in and out of season. Sourcing local seasonal produce helps support local communities, and reduces emissions. Â *Information based on - Gaballa, S. & Abraham A. B. 2007. Food Miles in Australia: A preliminary Study of Melbourne Victoria. CERES Community Environment Park. (Greenhouse gases are calculated from food transportation only) Further information Tags: |
| Last Updated on Saturday, 20 June 2009 19:30 |