Some foods have a bigger impact on climate change than others, for example meat and dairy products have greater environmental impacts than most pulses, grains and outdoor grown fruit & veg. Food miles are not the only point to consider - produce grown out of season, or stored for long periods can also increase its carbon footprint. Buying fresh, unprocessed, local, seasonal food and aiming to minimise food waste will help reduce your impacts – as will fewer car journeys to the shops!
This 2005 Defra report on food miles concludes that a quarter of HGV traffic is food related and that food transportation is having a significant and increasing impact on our environment.
Scottish Environment Link ‘s PDF report ‘Living with the Land’ proposes a sustainable land use strategy for Scotland, in relation to section 57 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
UK Government info on climate change impacts of food and shopping
Food Climate Research Network – UK Government funded group based at Uni of Surrey – good links & info
Article on the creation of a new Council of Food Policy Advisors to advise the UK Government on affordability, security of supply and the environmental impact of food production
Article on carbon labelling of food in Sweden is an interesting proposal
This PDF report by the WWF and the Food Ethics Council aims to help producers, policy-makers and environmental groups to discuss and address the contribution of livestock products to climate change. Meat consumption accounts for about 8% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. Includes the recommendation to adapt dietary advice to reflect sustainable development commitments and facilitate community action to promote low-carbon living.
This PDF report by the International Institute for Environment and Development considers the location of greenhouse gas emissions of two farms, with the aim of defining relative localness of different food systems.
Soil Association Scotland’s climate change training programme , open to farmers and others
Carbon Calculator for farmers, developed by Drew & Jan Coulter who farm in the Pentlands
Friends of the Earth briefing on food and climate change
The McCartney family have launched a Meat Free Monday campaign, aiming to reduce climate change impact by avoiding meat for one day a week.
Belgian city Ghent has launched veggie Thursday to reduce it’s carbon footprint - the organisers cite UN data arguing that meat production and consumption are to blame for 18% of greenhouse gases – more than cars.
Author and journalist George Monbiot’s website largely about climate change, including good article on growing your own fruit
www.gardenforglobalwarming.co.uk – reducing carbon footprint via your garden