Don’t go the extra mile: is local food better for the environment?
This article examines whether buying local food significantly reduces carbon footprints, noting that supply chain complexity and transport are only part of the environmental impact. It highlights how global events like conflict can disrupt food security and influence the debate on food miles.
Why it matters
Understanding the true environmental impact of food consumption helps consumers make informed decisions regarding sustainability.
For fresh fruit and vegetables, transport can add significantly to the emissions associated with food production. For fresh fruit and vegetables, transport can add significantly to the emissions associated with food production. Change by degrees Food Don’t go the extra mile: is local food better for the environment? Almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions are connected to food production. Does where you buy your fruit and vegetables still matter?
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Got a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.com
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