Labels help greener food choices

Would knowing the carbon footprint of the food you eat influence which products you buy? A recent Australian study says it might, but many people underestimate the energy and greenhouse gas emissions involved in making their food. The good news is, clear labelling of food products’ carbon footprint has the potential to influence shoppers’ choices in favour of more energy efficient and lower emission foods, the University of Sydney research found.

The labelling could be used in a similar way to energy ratings on electrical appliances. Between 19 and 29 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally are from food production.

Nature Climate Change, December 2018