Food Waste and Certain Types of Food Consumption are Responsible for 6% of GHG Emissions
FOOD: Meat products carry high carbon consequences. Raising cattle can result in deforestation that eliminates necessary carbon sinks, as well as high levels of methane from the animals themselves. According to the EPA, in 2018 agriculture accounts for 9.9 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, gas emissions from agriculture have increased by 10.1 percent.
Occasionally cutting meat from your diet can have a positive impact on the environment (and your waistline!). Opting for locally grown produce can also return carbon savings by avoiding lengthy transport to distant locations while supporting your local farmers and community.
Finally, remember to be mindful of your purchasing habits. Food waste creates another source of greenhouse gas and is wasteful of your hard-earned dollars. It’s estimated that 40% of all food in America is wasted and consumers are the largest source of food waste. You can reduce food waste in your household by utilizing meal planning and effective methods of food storage.
Resources:
Don’t let your food go to waste!
Donate to those in need, or volunteer to help connect others with valuable food that would otherwise be wasted. Save the Food
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