WHAT'S YOUR CARBON FOODPRINT? THE HOW, WHEN & WHERE OF FOOD | FULLY CHARGED FOR CLEAN ENERGY & EVS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Fully Charged delves into the complex topic of 'food miles' and their actual impact on a food's carbon footprint. Initially, hosts Maddie Moate and Greg Foot explore supermarket options, finding that while local produce is available, imported goods often dominate shelves. Their investigation reveals that focusing solely on food miles can be misleading, as factors like heated greenhouses, refrigeration, and farming methods (fertilizers, land use) contribute significantly more to a food's overall carbon footprint – sometimes up to 94% compared to transport's mere 6%. The presenters highlight that eating seasonally is more impactful than strictly eating locally, and that air freight, though a small percentage of transport, has a disproportionately high emission impact. They conclude that a holistic view of a food's lifecycle, considering how and when it's grown, is crucial for making truly sustainable choices, rather than fixating on distance traveled. The episode also briefly touches on the significant issue of global food waste.