Eating Less Meat & Junk Food Could Cut Fossil Energy Fuel Use

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Eating Less Meat And Junk Food Could Cut Fossil Energy Fuel Use

Almost In Half

ScienceDaily (July 24, 2008) — Study finds a healthier diet and a

return to traditional farming can help reduce energy consumption in

US food system by 50 percent.

An estimated 19 percent of total energy used in the USA is taken up

in the production and supply of food. Currently, this mostly comes

from non-renewable energy sources which are in short supply. It is

therefore of paramount importance that ways of reducing this

significant fuel consumption in the US food system are found.

David Pimentel and his colleagues at Cornell University in New York

set out a number of strategies which could potentially cut fossil

energy fuel use in the food system by as much as 50 percent.

The first, and very astute suggestion they put forward is that

individuals eat less, especially considering that the average

American consumes an estimated 3,747 calories a day, a staggering

1200-1500 calories over recommendations. Traditional American diets

are high in animal products, and junk and processed foods in

particular, which by their nature use more energy than that used to

produce staple foods such as potatoes, rice, fruits and vegetables.

By just reducing junk food intake and converting to diets lower in

meat, the average American could have a massive impact on fuel

consumption as well as improving his or her health.

Further savings are possible in the food production industry. The

authors suggest that moving towards more traditional, organic

farming methods would help because conventional meat and dairy

production is extremely energy intensive. Similarly, in crop

production, reduced pesticide use, increased use of manure, cover

crops and crop rotations improve energy efficiency.

Finally, changes to methods of food processing, packaging and

distribution could also help to reduce fuel consumption. Although

well-established energy-saving considerations in lighting, heating

and packaging materials all have their part to play, the authors

again highlight individual responsibility as having the biggest

impact. They contend that the most dramatic reduction in energy

used for food processing would come about if consumers reduced their

demand for highly processed foods. This would also help cut down

food miles and its related fuel cost as US food travels an average

of 2,400 km before it is consumed.

This study argues strongly that the consumer is in the strongest

position to contribute to a reduction in energy use. As individuals

embrace a `greener' lifestyle, an awareness of the influence their

food choices have on energy resources might be added encouragement

for them to buy good, local produce and avoid highly processed,

heavily packaged and nutritionally inferior food. As well as

leading to a cleaner environment, this would also lead to better

health.

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Journal reference:

1. Pimentel et al. Reducing Energy Inputs in the US Food

System. Human Ecology, 2008; DOI: 10.1007/s10745-008-9184-3

http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2008/07/080723094838.htm