Food-Related Emissions
Last updated: 2024-08-23
Major Sources of Emissions
Agriculture and Land Use is the largest source, including:
- Methane: From cattle digestion.
- Nitrous Oxide: From fertilizers.
- Carbon Dioxide: From deforestation for farmland.
- Other Emissions: From manure management, rice cultivation, crop residue burning, and farm fuel use.
Animals used for farming contribute to 17% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, and agricultural land use adds another 7-14%, due to continuous deforestation.
Impact of Food Waste
One-third of the world's food is never eaten. That's like if we would buy three bags of groceries and throw one away as soon as we get out of the store. Absolutely crazy, not least considering that up to 50% of emissions from the food industry come from food waste! Wasted food is a major environmental issue, as it wastes the energy and water used in its production and generates methane when it rots in landfills. Reducing food waste could cut 6% to 8% of all human-caused emissions. In the U.S., the emissions from wasted food equal those from 32.6 million cars.
How to Reduce Your Food-Related Emissions
- Eat more plant-based foods: Fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, peas, nuts, and lentils have lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal-based foods.
- Reduce animal-based foods: Especially red meat, dairy, and farmed shrimp, which have the highest emissions due to land use, methane emissions from digestion, and the destruction of carbon-absorbing mangroves.
- Avoid food waste: Plan meals, buy only what you need, compost food waste, and inquire about food waste policies at restaurants and grocery stores.
- Limit dairy products
- Avoid all-you-can-eat restaurants
- Choose local and seasonal produce: This limits transportation needs.
- Buy in bulk: This reduces packaging waste.
WWF has produced a guide to help you make better choices of vegetables, read more here (in swedish).
Emissions per food category
By making mindful food choices and reducing waste, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved. Curious to see if the food you eat is within the planetary boundaries? Try WWF’s food calculator here!