Researchers assess the environmental impact of 57,000 products
A scientific study published on Monday by the journal PNAS looked at the environmental impact of around 57,000 products sold in UK supermarkets.
To assess environmental impact, four factors were considered: greenhouse gas emissions, use of limited water resources, land use and aquatic eutrophication (water pollution).
AFP
Eating fruits and vegetables is better for the planet than eating meat and cheese. But soft and sugary drinks also have a very low environmental impact: Scientists examined about 57,000 products sold in supermarkets in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in a large study published Monday by the scientific journal PNAS.
The researchers cross-referenced their results with the nutritional qualities of these foods, hoping their study will help consumers shop more sustainably without sacrificing anything for their health. Syrups, sodas or other fruit juices are among the products sold with the lowest environmental impact – they are mostly made of water – but their nutritional quality is poor, the study points out. However, in general, researchers believe that the most sustainable products are also the best from a nutritional perspective.
This work confirms what other studies have already progressed by analyzing single ingredients (fruits, red meat, etc.). What is new is that the analysis here concerns products made from multiple ingredients (sauces, prepared foods, etc.). The task is difficult because the amount of each ingredient is considered a trade secret and therefore not very detailed: only about 3% of more than 57,000 products sold by eight food retailers had a fully measured composition.
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Therefore, scientists have developed a method based on some known information to estimate the proportion of missing ingredients – in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the ingredients are listed in the order of the amount used. To assess environmental impact, four factors were considered: greenhouse gas emissions, use of limited water resources, land use and aquatic eutrophication (water pollution).
Bread, but also some cereals, some prepared foods or sweets (such as cakes, biscuits) have a relatively low or intermediate environmental impact. On the other hand, fish, cheese and meat, especially red meat (lamb, beef) have a strong influence. “Replacing meat, dairy, and eggs with plant-based alternatives can have great environmental benefits,” the study authors note.
But even “small” changes can help. For example, beef lasagna can be replaced with chicken or pork lasagna or vegetarian, with a strong environmental impact. In the future, the researchers note, knowing more about the amounts and source of different substances will help them more accurately determine their impact on the environment.
AFP
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