According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, all processes and systems that get food from the field to your table account for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. About half of that one-third is from crop and livestock activity, while the other half is attributed to pre- and post-production and land use changes. That makes diet one of the easiest and most direct ways you can take control of your carbon footprint. 

Cattle and livestock farming are among the most extractive industries and the largest contributors to agrifood emissions. In 2022, livestock emitted nearly 4 times as many gigatons of CO₂ as crops. One gigaton is equivalent to about 20,000 Titanic Ships, making the emissions from livestock nearly 80,000 RMS Titanics more than what is emitted from crops. It may seem like emissions from individuals don’t matter in the face of these numbers, but individual changes add up to larger changes. Lifestyle changes can influence local politics and economies, driving people towards positive changes; the choices of Spokanites will reflect the greater community. 

While this may feel overwhelming, there are concrete steps you can take to reduce emissions, and thus global warming. Here are a few simple changes you can make to reduce emissions associated with food systems. 

1. Change your source of protein

Generally, beans, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, etc., are less extractive and less energy-intensive than dairy, meat, and seafood. Limiting how much meat you consume can make a large difference. Going vegetarian or vegan will have the biggest impact on lowering emissions, but for folks looking to make smaller changes, practices such as Meatless Mondays or eating meat only a couple of times a week can lower your carbon footprint. Consider cutting out or reducing red meat, as the livestock that produce it tend to require much more land and generate more emissions than other types of meat/fish.

2. Avoid plastic packaging

Plastic plays a role in every stage of getting food to your table, but it makes its largest mark in packaging and in its afterlife, when it’s thrown away. Globally, 1.8 billion tons (roughly 34,000 RMS Titanics) of carbon are emitted from plastic production, use, and disposal. When buying food, try your best to avoid buying food wrapped/packaged in single-use plastic by prioritizing canned or boxed food or from the bulk food section. Remember to bring reusable shopping bags and invest in some reusable produce bags. 

While using one or two plastic bags or plastic containers may not seem to make a difference, the consumer has power through demand. If we collectively use fewer plastic bags, we create less demand for plastic bags.

3. Buy local when possible

Support local farmers’ markets and food co-ops. This helps reduce emissions from transportation, processing, and packaging food and produce. It is also less energy-intensive because it doesn’t require long-distance refrigeration. Local agriculture and food systems are generally less extractive, so by supporting your local growers, you support greener food systems!

Local Food Co-ops:

Main Market Co-op

LINC Foods

Local Markets:

Perry Street Thursday Market

Scale House Market

The Spokane Farmers’ Market

4. Grow your own food and eat seasonally

Similar to buying local, growing your own food reduces miles traveled and the need for packaging. If you don’t have a yard, consider getting involved with a local community garden, or consider starting a small growing system like an herb garden in your kitchen window! Growing your own food also helps develop a seasonal diet. Seasonal diets involve only eating and cooking vegetables, fruits, and grains that are grown and available in that specific season. This helps limit the need for cold storage/hot houses and reduces the distance your food needs to travel.

Gardening Resources from Spokane Public Library: https://www.spokanelibrary.org/discovery-garden/

References: 

FAO. “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agrifood Systems. Global, Regional and Country Trends, 2000–2022.” Statistics, FAO, 14 Nov. 2024, www.fao.org/statistics/highlights-archive/highlights-detail/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-agrifood-systems.-global–regional-and-country-trends–2000-2022/en.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agrifood Systems Global, Regional and Country Trends, 2000-2022 Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Agrifood Systems Global, Regional and Country Trends, 2000-2022 FAOSTAT Analytical Brief 94 FAOSTAT AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS EMISSIONS BACKGROUND.

“Prevent Problem Packaging.” The Waste and Resources Action Programme, www.wrap.ngo/what-we-do/prevent-problem-packaging.