Which seafood causes the least damage to the planet? It’s complicated.

In a paper published in the journal Nature, Dr. Jessica Gephart and her colleagues looked at five environmental pressures for aquatic foods including: greenhouse gas emissions, nitrogen runoff, phosphorus runoff, freshwater use, and agricultural land use. The scientists examined data from 1,690 farms and 1,000 fishery records worldwide. Here is a summary of their findings,Continue reading “Which seafood causes the least damage to the planet? It’s complicated.”

Declining greenhouse gas emissions in the US diet (2003–2018): Drivers and demographic trends: new research

New research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production reported that, “From 2003 to 2018, the mean GHG emissions associated with the US diet fell by more than 35%, from 4.02 kg CO2e per day per capita, to 2.45 kg CO2e per day per capita, despite average caloric intake remaining relatively stable over the same period. AverageContinue reading Declining greenhouse gas emissions in the US diet (2003–2018): Drivers and demographic trends: new research

 A shrinking fraction of the world’s major crops goes to feed the hungry, with more used for nonfood purposes: new research

“Rising competition for many of the world’s important crops is sending increasing amounts toward uses other than directly feeding people. These competing uses include making biofuels; converting crops into processing ingredients, such as livestock meal, hydrogenated oils and starches; and selling them on global markets to countries that can afford to pay for them. InContinue reading ” A shrinking fraction of the world’s major crops goes to feed the hungry, with more used for nonfood purposes: new research”

27% of all land-use emissions are related to agricultural products consumed in a different country than they were produced

Researchers have for the first time quantified rising land-use emissions embodied in the international trade of specific agricultural products like beef that results in deforestation. “International trade allows goods and services produced in one country to be consumed elsewhere, separating consumption from its environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and land-use change (together referredContinue reading “27% of all land-use emissions are related to agricultural products consumed in a different country than they were produced”

Carbon footprint labels to steer climate-friendly buying

“Nutritional breakdowns, ethical trade branding, recycling information – and now estimates of a product’s climate impact. Consumers across the globe are starting to see a new kind of information on goods packaging, indicating the level of planet-heating gases [greenhouse gases] emitted by making the items they are buying. This fresh wave of efforts at “carbonContinue reading “Carbon footprint labels to steer climate-friendly buying”

Diets high in fiber associated with less antibiotic resistance in gut bacteria: new research

According to new research published in the journal mBIO (2022), “Healthy adults who eat a diverse diet with at least 8-10 grams of soluble fiber a day have fewer antibiotic-resistant microbes in their guts…” Soluble fiber is found in foods such as oats, barley, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds (e.g., flaxseed) and some fruits and vegetablesContinue reading “Diets high in fiber associated with less antibiotic resistance in gut bacteria: new research”

Which diet is more climate friendly: novel foods or mostly vegan?: research

As reported recently in Anthropocene Magazine, a new study published in the journal Nature Food finds that “eating insect meal, kelp, lab-grown eggs, and other novel foods greatly reduces climate impact. But there’s also a simpler solution: eating less meat.” “So-called ‘novel foods’ such as insect powder and algae are increasingly being touted for their environmental andContinue reading “Which diet is more climate friendly: novel foods or mostly vegan?: research”

Meat consumption must fall by at least 75 percent: study

“If our planet Earth is to continue feeding us in the future, rich countries must significantly reduce their meat consumption – ideally by at least 75 percent.” This is the conclusion of a new review published by researchers at the University of Bonn. “The study reviews the current state of research on various aspects ofContinue reading “Meat consumption must fall by at least 75 percent: study”

Stop Food Waste Day digital cookbook and other food waste resources

Happy Stop Food Waste Day (April 27, 2022)! To raise awareness of Stop Food Waste Day, a digital food waste cookbook for home cooks has been published. It features recipes from 45 Compass Group chefs across 30 countries. These recipes give a second life to ingredients that most commonly go to waste in home kitchens,Continue reading “Stop Food Waste Day digital cookbook and other food waste resources”

Study explores fast-growing rise of ‘climavore’ consumers

“By 2030, our routine food choices will be climate-directed. The companies that mobilize now will win the future of food.” With that said, global management consulting firm Kearney has released its 2022 Earth Day Survey, which measures the growing momentum of ‘climavorism’ among consumers – referring to the making of mindful food choices based on environmental impact. ThisContinue reading “Study explores fast-growing rise of ‘climavore’ consumers”