Swapping one food for another can help lower your household’s carbon emissions, study shows

Sustainable Food Choices and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Swapping meat lasagna for vegetarian isn’t just healthier for you — it’s also healthier for the planet. A new study shows the impact of switching food and drink purchases to more environmentally friendly alternatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 13: Climate Action
2. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The study conducted by the George Institute for Global Health and Imperial College London reveals that making small changes like switching beef for chicken in stew can lead to a reduction of nearly a quarter in greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries.

Lead author Allison Gaines emphasizes that consumers do not need to give up meat entirely to make climate-conscious choices. These small swaps can collectively have a significant impact on carbon reduction.

Gaines, who holds a doctorate in public health, highlights the need for reliable information on environmentally friendly options. The study recommends labeling packed food items with carbon emissions to help climate-conscious consumers make informed choices, as a third of carbon emissions are attributed to the food and agriculture sector.

Research Findings

• The study analyzed annual grocery purchases from 7,000 Australian households using data from the FoodSwitch app.
• EcoSwitch, an extension of the app, includes carbon emission information for products, enabling customers to choose lower-emission alternatives.

By offering similar swaps that can be found on the same shelf or in a different aisle, the study projects a 26% reduction in emissions in Australia, equivalent to removing 1.9 million cars from the road.

For instance, a chocolate chip brioche roll could be switched for a dinner roll or a sourdough loaf, leading to environmental benefits.

Switching to more sustainable alternatives not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes healthier choices. The top contributors to carbon emissions from food products were meat and meat products, followed by dairy and nonalcoholic beverages.

Gaines emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with information to drive positive change at both individual and systemic levels.

## Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

### SDG 13: Climate Action
The article addresses the issue of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through food choices, which is directly connected to SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

## Specific Targets Identified in the Article

### Target 13.2: Integrate Climate Change Measures into National Policies, Strategies, and Planning
The article highlights the importance of making climate-conscious choices in food purchases to reduce carbon emissions, aligning with the target of integrating climate change measures into consumer decision-making processes.

## Indicators for Measuring Progress

– The study recommends labeling packed food items with carbon emissions to help consumers make informed choices.
– The EcoSwitch app in Australia allows users to scan products and compare their carbon emissions, providing an indicator of the environmental impact of their food choices.

## Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|—————–|—————————————————————–|—————————————————————————-|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate Climate Change Measures into National Policies, Strategies, and Planning | – Labeling packed food items with carbon emissions |
| | | – EcoSwitch app in Australia for comparing carbon emissions of products |

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Fuente: cbsnews.com

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