Choose low-carbon foods

Themes: Food

Impact:
Effort:
Cost saving:
£: No up-front costs
St Nics Market Farmer holding up fresh produce

Description

Some foods take more carbon to produce than others. Typically, animal-based foods have a much higher footprint than their plant-based alternatives.

But, out of season fruit and veg can also have a big carbon footprint. Try sticking to fruit and veg that is in season as much as possible.

In most cases, food grown closer to home has a lower carbon footprint than food grown abroad and shipped here. There are a few exceptions. For example heating greenhouses in the UK can be more energy intensive than the emissions from transporting from overseas.

The Bristol Bites Back Better website has lots of tips to help you choose low carbon foods, as well as other actions that will contribute to Bristol’s bid to become a Gold Sustainable Food City.

If you’re interested in which foods are the best and worst for the climate the BBC’s climate change food calculator may help.

Health professionals created a planetary health diet which is good for people and the planet. Have a look at the recipes.

Can’t go full veggie? Keep meat products for a treat or special occasions. Avoid wasting high carbon foods like animal products at all costs.

Useful links

Choose low-carbon foods

Themes: Food

Impact:
Effort:
Cost saving:
£: No up-front costs
St Nics Market Farmer holding up fresh produce

Description

Some foods take more carbon to produce than others. Typically, animal-based foods have a much higher footprint than their plant-based alternatives.

But, out of season fruit and veg can also have a big carbon footprint. Try sticking to fruit and veg that is in season as much as possible.

In most cases, food grown closer to home has a lower carbon footprint than food grown abroad and shipped here. There are a few exceptions. For example heating greenhouses in the UK can be more energy intensive than the emissions from transporting from overseas.

The Bristol Bites Back Better website has lots of tips to help you choose low carbon foods, as well as other actions that will contribute to Bristol’s bid to become a Gold Sustainable Food City.

If you’re interested in which foods are the best and worst for the climate the BBC’s climate change food calculator may help.

Health professionals created a planetary health diet which is good for people and the planet. Have a look at the recipes.

Can’t go full veggie? Keep meat products for a treat or special occasions. Avoid wasting high carbon foods like animal products at all costs.

Useful links

Can you suggest an action?

Let us know what you think is missing – or tell us about something else you do to reduce your impact.