Low carbon diet

A low carbon diet is a dietary and lifestyle approach focused on reducing individual greenhouse gas emissions (GHGe) that stem from food production and consumption. This diet seeks to address the significant impact that the food system, particularly in countries like the U.S., has on global greenhouse gas contributions. By making more environmentally-conscious choices regarding what, how, and where we eat, individuals can play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Background

It's estimated that the U.S. food system alone contributes to at least 20% of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions. This figure primarily takes into account direct emissions sources. However, when considering indirect sources, such as demand-driven emissions from imported products, the percentage might be significantly higher.

Key Principles

The fundamental principles of a low carbon diet revolve around reducing the carbon footprint of our food choices. These include:

• Reduced Consumption of Industrial Meat and Dairy: Industrial livestock farming is a major contributor to GHGe due to methane production, deforestation, and transportation. By reducing consumption or choosing sustainably raised options, individuals can significantly cut their dietary carbon footprint.
• Prioritize Local and Seasonal Foods: Transporting food across vast distances increases its carbon footprint. Consuming locally-sourced and seasonally available products reduces this transport-derived GHGe.
• Minimize Processed and Packaged Foods: The processing, packaging, and transportation of convenience foods contribute significantly to GHGe. Opting for whole foods reduces this impact.
• Waste Reduction: Minimizing food waste through appropriate portion sizes, recycling, and composting can drastically cut down the environmental impact of one's diet.

Indirect Emissions and the Global Food System

It's crucial to understand the holistic impact of our food choices. For instance, demand for certain products in the U.S. might drive deforestation or other ecologically damaging practices in other countries. Such indirect sources of emissions are often overlooked in traditional assessments but are crucial to consider for a genuinely low carbon diet.

Benefits

Adopting a low carbon diet has numerous benefits:

• Environmental: Directly reduces an individual's carbon footprint.
• Health: Often aligns with principles of a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Economic: Can lead to savings, especially when prioritizing local, seasonal produce over imported, out-of-season items.

See Also

• Sustainable agriculture
• Food waste
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Local food

External links

• School-to-home Carbon Reduction Plan
• Low Carbon Diet
• Empowerment Institute Low Carbon Diet

Low carbon diet Resources
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