Food represent about one third of my largest impacts to our carbon footprint, as do most things with multi-layer processes. Where was it grown and how was it grown, processed, and manufactured? How is it packaged, and earth friendly are the materials used in that packaging (for instance can the cardboard be recycled)  depending on how the box was labeled - with toner or water-based inks? How much shipping, storage is necessary for the item to reach my grocery outlet? What % of the product results in food waste that cannot be composted? 

Food represents so many questions that largely become overwhelming to think about, and so far not as much data is published about the environmental aspects of food packaging on the carbon calculation, that my estimate of 1/3 could be, in actuality a low number.

Food impacts the carbon footbprint based on the travel distance to the market.  Grocery stores today have a huge often mindbending selection of the same goods -fruits and vegetables once seasonal are available year round.  These benefits come at a cost to the carbon footprint - as the trasnportation carbon footprint is large. This can be mitigated through more local markets.  The current COVID 19 virus has shown limitations to the consolidation of certain goods - in this case meets or flour - one or two plants provide to the entire country - these facilities have been hit hard with many employees contracting COVID 19 - this calls for a local approach to improve the resiliency while lessoning the carbon footprint.  

I spotted one of these beauties in my backyard last week and decided to learn more! Meet the wood thrush. I was so lucky to see one because they are near threatened due to deforestation. Wood thrushes are known for having beautiful songs! Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcR6XrnD7Yc

I can encourage biodiversity by planting more native pollinators, restarting my backyard compost (currently contaminated by blighted tomato plants), buying organic foods, choosing products not linked to deforestation, and using renewable energy sources.

I want to win this
And to leave the world better
Let's do both, colleagues