"carbon emissions" news and stories

According to the PB&J Campaign, changing the world is as easy as packing yourself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch each day. They say that eating a single peanut butter and jelly (although I'm actually quite partial to honey instead of jelly) instead of a lunch based on animal protein can save the equivalent of 2.5 pounds of carbon emissions and 280 gallons of water. Makes you think twice the next time you find yourself reaching for a burger.

Their website also offers alternatives to PB&J if you aren't partial to that combo (or you eat your lunch at a place that forbids peanut products). Remember that peanut butter is also delicious spread inside celery, on apple slices or atop a piece of toast in the morning. If you're looking for ways to mix up that nutty spread, try stirring in a little cinnamon.

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Issues of the environment and food often go hand in hand. Our friends over at Green Daily have a number of current posts up about issues that are near and dear to our foodie hearts.

Yesterday, Patricia posted about a group of Italian farmers who have contracted with a prison to have the inmates make eco-friendly ice cream with local milk and fruit. The group of farmers is leading a campaign to encourage Italians to eat locally as a way of reducing carbon emissions.

Beer is about to get more expensive because of climate change, says Jonathon. Apparently in Australia prices of wheat and barley, vital ingredients in beer brewing, are rising due to extreme drought conditions.

Sarah's got good info about keeping the world a better place by packing lunches in safe, reusable plastic containers.

Want some simple tips on how to go green at the grocery store? Look no further than Rigel's post with recommendations on what to buy when it comes to coffee, chocolate, fruits, veggies and salad dressings.

The UK's food industry is being urged to reduce carbon emissions and general waste to help reduce environmental damage, according to a report on the BBC.

Transportation, water use (a reduction between 10 and 25% by 2010 ) and the introduction of measures to reduce energy consumption such as roof insulation, timers and daylight-sensitive lighting in factories have all been suggested.

The strategy by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) encompasses retailers in addition to producers. Defra says the UK food and drink industry accounted for 11% of the country's energy consumption, excluding transport, in 2002. It was a "major contributor" to carbon emissions and called for a 20% reduction by 2010, compared to 1990 levels.

Friends of the Earth though said the strategy was a "weak response to the very significant environmental, social and health problems caused by the food industry".

 

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