Newly published research in the journal Nature Food “suggests transport accounts for one-fifth of total food-system emissions with fruits and vegetables among the most carbon-intensive.” The researchers reported that, “When the entire upstream food supply chain is considered, global food-miles correspond to about 3.0 GtCO2e (3.5–7.5 times higher than previously estimated), indicating that transport accounts forContinue reading “Climate impact of food miles up to 7 times higher than previously thought: study”
Author Archives: greengrass50
Pesticides are spreading toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ according to recent review
Scientists have been raising concerns for decades over the use of toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ [scientifically known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASs] “so called because their strong molecular bonds can take hundreds of years to completely break down in the environment. Widely used in consumer products such as cookware and clothing, these substances areContinue reading “Pesticides are spreading toxic ‘forever chemicals,’ according to recent review”
Do carbon labels translate into fewer greenhouse gas emissions?
“Carbon labeling shifts consumer behavior. But does that actually translate to fewer emissions?” An article published in Anthropocene Magazine on June 2, 2022 titled, “Get ready for sticker shock carbon therapy” attempts to answer this question. In short, the author notes that, “If labeling is going to help wean us off carbon, it will needContinue reading “Do carbon labels translate into fewer greenhouse gas emissions?”
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, “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 vegetables (e.g.,Continue 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”
Sustainable RDN 