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Blaauw SA, Broekman A, Maina JW, Steyn WJVDM, Haddad WA. Life Cycle Assessment of an Avocado: Grown in South Africa-Enjoyed in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024:10.1007/s00267-024-02009-w. [PMID: 38935143 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-02009-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Food production is known to have significant environmental impacts, with the main contributors residing in the farming and transportation life cycle phases. Of the various food products transported around the world, avocados have increasingly gained attention as a high-commodity superfood. Avocados require specific climatic and agricultural conditions for farming, with the most fertile land and conditions located outside Europe. Consequently, most avocados consumed in Europe are imported over vast geographical distances, with little information available to quantify the environmental impacts of this imported superfood. This paper aims to present the most detailed life cycle assessment results of an avocado cultivated, grown and harvested in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and exported to the European market for sale and consumption. A life cycle assessment was developed for the farming, harvesting, handling, packaging, ripening, transportation, and carbon sequestration potential of the avocado, and it was used to conduct a holistic life cycle assessment. Input data was obtained through an 18-month data collection campaign across the relevant stakeholders. A baseline 'business-as-usual' scenario is focused on throughout this study, and scope for optimisation is identified for each life cycle phase where applicable, accompanied by uncertainty analyses. Results show a total carbon input of 904.85 kg CO2e/tonne. Mitigating this, 521.88 kg CO2e/tonne is offset, resulting in a net carbon footprint of 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne with uncertainty ranges of -23.22 to +58.69 kg CO2e/tonne, normalised to 57.45 g CO2e/avocado grown in South Africa and sold in Europe. The environmental impacts of the avocado industry under consideration are largely mitigated by the "nature first" philosophy of the farming and logistics enterprises, which have made significant investments in reducing emissions. Sensitivity analyses indicate that implementing large-scale renewable energy, using alternative packaging instead of cardboard, and selling avocados unripened could further enable the farming enterprise to achieve Net Zero objectives. These measures could reduce baseline emissions from 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne to a theoretical -68.54 kg CO2e/tonne, representing a 117.9% decrease. Although this study does not quantify climate change impacts, qualitative analyses suggest that climate change will have a net negative effect on the avocado industry in South Africa. These regions, typically located in micro-climates, are projected to become wetter and warmer, adversely affecting crop phenology, pest control, road conditions, management complexity, farmer livelihoods, and food security. The study recommends large-scale implementation of the optimisation strategies identified to achieve Net Zero objectives and the development of proactive climate change mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience of avocado supply chains to future stressors. These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers aiming to promote sustainability in the avocado market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheldon A Blaauw
- Arup, East West Building, 1 Tollhouse Hill, Nottingham, NG1 5AT, UK.
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa.
| | - André Broekman
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
- Zutari, Riverwalk Office Park, 41 Matroosberg Road, Ashlea Gardens, Pretoria, 0081, South Africa
| | - James W Maina
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - Wynand J V D M Steyn
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
| | - William A Haddad
- Ecosystem Services, ZZ2 Group, P.O. Box 19, Mooketsi, Limpopo, 0825, South Africa
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2
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du Plessis M, van Eeden J, Goedhals-Gerber LL. Energy and emissions: Comparing short and long fruit cold chains. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32507. [PMID: 38912466 PMCID: PMC11193027 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper evaluates GHG emissions and energy usage in "short" and "long" cold chains for oranges, table grapes, and apples transported from South Africa to a retail store in Scotland. Novel formulae assess energy usage and emissions based on cold chain duration. "Short" chains show carbon footprints between 0.87 and 1.28 kg CO2e/kg of saleable fruit, contrasting starkly with extended cold chains. Extending storage durations increases emissions; a one-month extension results in 24-27 % emissions for oranges and grapes and 16 % for apples. Six months of CA storage of apples increases emissions by 96 % compared to "short" cold chains. Energy consumption follows a similar trend as emissions. This research informs policymakers and consumers, emphasising the need for sustainable and "short" cold chains. This is also the first paper that comprehensively assesses both the energy requirements and emissions outputs in a fruit supply chain based on the combined transport and storage duration of the cold chain from tree to retail markets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin du Plessis
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Joubert van Eeden
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
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3
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Guy DJ, Bray J, Appleton KM. Select dietary changes towards sustainability: Impacts on dietary profiles, environmental footprint, and cost. Appetite 2024; 194:107194. [PMID: 38154573 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Healthy sustainable diets have the power to improve dietary intakes and environmental resource use. However, recommendations for improving food choices need to consider the effects of any changes across multiple dimensions of health, environmental sustainability, and dietary cost to promote long-lasting behaviour change. The aim of this study was to identify differences between original diets, and the diets that can be achieved through the implementation of select small dietary changes towards sustainability. Twelve hypothetical sustainable actions were investigated for the potential effects of these actions on dietary markers (protein, saturated fat, sugars, salt, iron, and calcium), environmental footprints (greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater withdrawals, and land use), and dietary cost. Dietary data from 1235 individuals, aged 19-94 years, participating in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2017/19) provided the original diet. Dietary changes were implemented as required by each sustainable action, and differences between the original diet and each new diet were investigated. Results revealed benefits to dietary markers and environmental characteristics from eleven sustainable actions (range: F(1,728) = 5.80, p < .001 to F(1,506) = 435.04, p < .001), but effects were stronger for some actions than for others. Greatest benefits for all three outcomes were found for actions which reduced meat consumption and/or replaced meat with pulses or eggs. The remaining sustainable actions tended to be beneficial for improving outcomes individually or to some degree. Our results demonstrate the possible impacts of a number of small sustainable dietary actions for dietary, environmental, and cost outcomes, and provide a hierarchy of actions based on benefit. Findings may facilitate dietary behaviours towards improved health, whilst also offering fruitful contributions towards environmental footprint targets in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Guy
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, UK.
| | - Jeffery Bray
- Bournemouth University Business School, Bournemouth University, UK
| | - Katherine M Appleton
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, UK
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4
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Aceves-Martins M, Bates RL, Craig LCA, Chalmers N, Horgan G, Boskamp B, de Roos B. Consumption of foods with the highest nutritional quality, and the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and price, differs between socio-economic groups in the UK population. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3370-3378. [PMID: 37905562 PMCID: PMC10755419 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a baseline understanding of whether consuming food with the highest nutritional quality, lowest greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and cost differs between different UK demographic and socio-economic population groups. DESIGN Multiple linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the relationship between predictor socio-demographic variables in this study (i.e. sex, ethnic group, age, BMI and level of deprivation) and the response variables (i.e. consumption of items considered most nutritious, with a low GHGE and price, as a proportion of total items consumed). SETTING The UK. PARTICIPANTS 1374 adult (18-65 years) participants from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey latest waves 9-11 (2016-2017 and 2018-2019). RESULTS Based on the total energy consumption in a day, the average diet-based GHGE was significantly higher for participants with a higher BMI. Non-white and most deprived participants spent significantly (P < 0·001) less money per total energy consumption. Participants with a BMI between 18·6 and 39·9 kg/m2 and those living in the least deprived areas consumed a significantly (P < 0·001) higher amount of those items considered the most nutritious, with the lowest GHGE and cost per 100 kcal. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of food with the highest nutritional quality, lowest GHGE and cost in the UK varies among those with different socio-demographic characteristics, especially the deprivation level of participants. Our analysis endorses the consideration of environmental sustainability and affordability, in addition to the consideration of nutritional quality from a health perspective, to make current dietary guidelines more encompassing and equitable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth L Bates
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AberdeenAB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Leone CA Craig
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Neil Chalmers
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AberdeenAB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Graham Horgan
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, Rowett Institute, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Bram Boskamp
- Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland, The King’s Buildings, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Baukje de Roos
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, AberdeenAB25 2ZD, UK
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5
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Xiong X, Shen J, Hao Y, Zhang L, Zhao R, Tang S, Li X, Shi Z. How seasonality affects the environmental performance of fresh appetite: Insights from cherry consumption in China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 327:116868. [PMID: 36442447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Urbanization and globalization are changing the conventional constraints of seasonality and geography on food consumption, such as that of fresh cherries. The rising demand for year-round cherry consumption in China is currently satisfied by open-field, greenhouse-produced, and imported products. This study conducted a spatial-temporal life cycle evaluation of the environmental performance of cherry consumption behaviors during different seasons of the year. Moreover, based on the definitions of global and local seasonality, the additional environmental costs of out-of-season cherry consumption were estimated. Results show that seasonality was an important factor affecting the environmental burdens of cherry consumption. Eating cherries imported from Chile by air in October resulted in the highest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 6.38 kg CO2-eq/kg, while eating domestic open-field cherries during May to July (the natural harvest season) was a relatively environmentally beneficial option. The total cherry consumption in China in 2019 generated GHG emissions of 126.99 × 104 t CO2-eq. Under the definitions of global and local seasonality, the out-of-season consumption led to additional environmental costs of 57.59 × 104 and 85.67 × 104 t CO2-eq, accounting for 45.35% and 67.46% of total emissions, respectively. Furthermore, the time-environment trade-off effect of cherry consumption illustrates the higher environmental costs are exchanged for satisfying the appetite for out-of-season fresh foods. Our findings emphasize the meaningful implications for developing a sustainable consumption pattern for all stakeholders involved in the entire food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xiong
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Junyi Shen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yan Hao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Lixiao Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Rui Zhao
- Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, China
| | - Shoujuan Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xinqing Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Zhimin Shi
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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6
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García S, Bouzas C, Mateos D, Pastor R, Álvarez L, Rubín M, Martínez-González MÁ, Salas-Salvadó J, Corella D, Goday A, Martínez JA, Alonso-Gómez ÁM, Wärnberg J, Vioque J, Romaguera D, Lopez-Miranda J, Estruch R, Tinahones FJ, Lapetra J, Serra-Majem L, Riquelme-Gallego B, Pintó X, Gaforio JJ, Matía P, Vidal J, Vázquez C, Daimiel L, Ros E, Bes-Rastrollo M, Guillem-Saiz P, Nishi S, Cabanes R, Abete I, Goicolea-Güemez L, Gómez-Gracia E, Signes-Pastor AJ, Colom A, García-Ríos A, Castro-Barquero S, Fernández-García JC, Santos-Lozano JM, Vázquez Z, Sorlí JV, Pascual M, Castañer O, Zulet MA, Vaquero-Luna J, Basterra-Gortari FJ, Babio N, Ciurana R, Martín-Sánchez V, Tur JA. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions and adherence to Mediterranean diet in an adult population: the Mediterranean diet index as a pollution level index. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 22:1. [PMID: 36600281 PMCID: PMC9814202 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research related to sustainable diets is is highly relevant to provide better understanding of the impact of dietary intake on the health and the environment. AIM To assess the association between the adherence to an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and the amount of CO2 emitted in an older adult population. DESIGN AND POPULATION Using a cross-sectional design, the association between the adherence to an energy-reduced Mediterranean Diet (erMedDiet) score and dietary CO2 emissions in 6646 participants was assessed. METHODS Food intake and adherence to the erMedDiet was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaire and 17-item Mediterranean questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics were documented. Environmental impact was calculated through greenhouse gas emissions estimations, specifically CO2 emissions of each participant diet per day, using a European database. Participants were distributed in quartiles according to their estimated CO2 emissions expressed in kg/day: Q1 (≤2.01 kg CO2), Q2 (2.02-2.34 kg CO2), Q3 (2.35-2.79 kg CO2) and Q4 (≥2.80 kg CO2). RESULTS More men than women induced higher dietary levels of CO2 emissions. Participants reporting higher consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole cereals, preferring white meat, and having less consumption of red meat were mostly emitting less kg of CO2 through diet. Participants with higher adherence to the Mediterranean Diet showed lower odds for dietary CO2 emissions: Q2 (OR 0.87; 95%CI: 0.76-1.00), Q3 (OR 0.69; 95%CI: 0.69-0.79) and Q4 (OR 0.48; 95%CI: 0.42-0.55) vs Q1 (reference). CONCLUSIONS The Mediterranean diet can be environmentally protective since the higher the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, the lower total dietary CO2 emissions. Mediterranean Diet index may be used as a pollution level index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia García
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Guillem Colom Bldg, Campus, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Cristina Bouzas
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Guillem Colom Bldg, Campus, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - David Mateos
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Guillem Colom Bldg, Campus, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Rosario Pastor
- Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Guillem Colom Bldg, Campus, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Avila, 05005, Avila, Spain
| | - Laura Álvarez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain
| | - María Rubín
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Martínez-González
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Human Nutrition Unit, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Dolores Corella
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Albert Goday
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, Institut Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, University Autonomous of Barcelona, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Alfredo Martínez
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiometabolics Precision Nutrition Program, IMDEA Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences, and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ángel M Alonso-Gómez
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48013, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Julia Wärnberg
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Málaga-IBIMA, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Jesús Vioque
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Avila, 05005, Avila, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Dora Romaguera
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - José Lopez-Miranda
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Lipids and Atherosclerosis Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ramon Estruch
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco J Tinahones
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Virgen de la Victoria Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, University of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - José Lapetra
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Family Medicine, Research Unit, Distrito Sanitario Atención Primaria Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lluís Serra-Majem
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Blanca Riquelme-Gallego
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Avila, 05005, Avila, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Xavier Pintó
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Lipids and Vascular Risk Unit, Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José J Gaforio
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Avila, 05005, Avila, Spain.,Department of Health Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies in Olive Grove and Olive Oils, University of Jaen, 23071, Jaen, Spain
| | - Pilar Matía
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Vidal
- Department of Endocrinology, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clotilde Vázquez
- Department of Endocrinology, Fundación Jiménez-Díaz, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Daimiel
- Nutritional Control of the Epigenome Group, Precision Nutrition and Obesity Program.IMDEA Food, CEI UAM + CSIC, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Emilio Ros
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Lipid Clinic, Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maira Bes-Rastrollo
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patricia Guillem-Saiz
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Stephanie Nishi
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Human Nutrition Unit, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43201, Reus, Spain.,Toronto 3D (Diet, Digestive Tract and Disease) Knowledge Synthesis and Clinical Trials Unit, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Cabanes
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, Institut Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar Abete
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences, and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Goicolea-Güemez
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48013, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez-Gracia
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Public Health and Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Malaga, and Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA), 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio José Signes-Pastor
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández (ISABIAL-UMH), 03550, Alicante, Spain
| | - Antoni Colom
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Ríos
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Lipids and Atherosclerosis Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14004, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sara Castro-Barquero
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose C Fernández-García
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Virgen de la Victoria Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, University of Málaga, 29010, Málaga, Spain
| | - José Manuel Santos-Lozano
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Family Medicine, Research Unit, Distrito Sanitario Atención Primaria Sevilla, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Zenaida Vázquez
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - José V Sorlí
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Valencia, 46100, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Pascual
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Human Nutrition Unit, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Olga Castañer
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, Institut Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Zulet
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences, and Physiology, Center for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jessica Vaquero-Luna
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Bioaraba Health Research Institute; Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Araba University Hospital; University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48013, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - F Javier Basterra-Gortari
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Osasunbidea, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Biochemistry and Biotechnology Department, Human Nutrition Unit, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, 43201, Reus, Spain
| | - Ramon Ciurana
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Unit of Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition, Institut Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica (IMIM), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín-Sánchez
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain
| | - Josep A Tur
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of Balearic Islands-IUNICS, Guillem Colom Bldg, Campus, E-07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. .,Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
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7
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Ramos S, Segovia L, Melado-Herreros A, Cidad M, Zufía J, Vranken L, Matthys C. Enviroscore: normalization, weighting, and categorization algorithm to evaluate the relative environmental impact of food and drink products. NPJ Sci Food 2022; 6:54. [PMID: 36433991 PMCID: PMC9700787 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-022-00165-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A 5-scale label that relativizes the environmental impact of a given product referred to the impact of the European food basket is proposed. It was developed based on the Product Environmental Footprint methodology with the following stepwise approach. First, a set of normalization and weighting factors were defined to aggregate all the environmental impact categories into a single dimensionless index referred to as the European food basket, coined the European Food Environmental Footprint Single Index (EFSI). Next, the effectiveness of the EFSI index was evaluated by assessing the distribution of the EFSI results on 149 hypothetical food items and comparing it with the results obtained with EC Single Score. Finally, the thresholds to translate the EFSI index into the 5-scale Enviroscore (A, B, C, D, and E) were established and validated using the Delphi method. Results indicated that both, Enviroscore and EFSI, were able to account for impact variability between and within food products. Differences on the final score were observed due to the type of products (vegetables vs. animal products), the country of origin and the mean of transportation. Regarding country of origin, results indicated that differences in water stress impact category were better captured by the EFSI index (r = 0.624) than by the EC Single Score (r = 0.228). Finally, good agreement achieved with the Delphi method (weighted Kappa 0.642; p = 0.0025), ensures the acceptability of the Enviroscore. In conclusion, this study developed a method to communicate environmental impact assessment in a front-of-packaging label.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saioa Ramos
- grid.512117.1AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA). Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Lucia Segovia
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Aging, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Division of Bioeconomics, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Melado-Herreros
- grid.512117.1AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA). Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Maite Cidad
- grid.512117.1AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA). Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Jaime Zufía
- grid.512117.1AZTI, Food Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA). Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Astondo Bidea, Edificio 609, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Liesbet Vranken
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Division of Bioeconomics, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Aging, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium ,grid.410569.f0000 0004 0626 3338Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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8
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Chen Q, Qian J, Yang H, Wu W. Sustainable food cold chain logistics: From microenvironmental monitoring to global impact. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:4189-4209. [PMID: 35904269 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Food cold chain logistics (FCCL) is a systematic engineering process involving the use of a low-temperature environment to maintain the quality and safety of perishable food and reduce food loss and waste (FLW). From a mechanism perspective, FCCL must balance resource costs for a required level of food quality and safety with the costs of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the context of global warming, the sustainability trade-off between FLW and environmental impact has recently become an important topic in research on efficient, green FCCL. This is mainly reflected in technological innovation, management optimization, and policy responses. With a focus on three levels (micro, meso, macro), this review analyzes current research areas and the gaps and challenges of FCCL in microenvironmental monitoring, life cycle assessment (LCA), and global impact. Future trends pertaining to FCCL in technology, management, and industry and sustainable development are also summarized. Future trends involving sustainable FCCL must be intelligent, systematic, and low carbon. Industry empowerment through next-generation information technologies (e.g., IoT, AI, big data, blockchain) will promote the multidimensional perception, real-time information transmission, and sustainable control of microenvironmental monitoring, as well as support LCA management transformation from fragmentation to system integration. From a macro level, due to the serious global loss of perishable food, the FCCL scale demand is growing greatly, causing a huge environmental burden. Global cooperation, low-carbon consensus, and appropriate policies will become the basis for promoting sustainable FCCL development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Qian
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Remote Sensing (AGRIRS), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Pedreschi R, Ponce E, Hernández I, Fuentealba C, Urbina A, González-Fernández JJ, Hormaza JI, Campos D, Chirinos R, Aguayo E. Short vs. Long-Distance Avocado Supply Chains: Life Cycle Assessment Impact Associated to Transport and Effect of Fruit Origin and Supply Conditions Chain on Primary and Secondary Metabolites. Foods 2022; 11:foods11121807. [PMID: 35742005 PMCID: PMC9222684 DOI: 10.3390/foods11121807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Avocado consumption and trade are increasing worldwide, with North America and Europe being the main importing regions. Spain is the major European avocado producer (90% of the production), yet it only supplies 10% of the market. Consequently, more than 90% of the avocados consumed in Europe are imported from overseas, mainly from Chile and Peru. In this work, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) impact associated with the transport of two avocado supply chains (short (Spanish) and long (Chilean)) and the effect of the fruit origin and distance of both chains on primary and secondary metabolites from harvest to edible ripeness were evaluated using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (LC-DAD) based metabolite analysis. The LCA transport impact of the fresh supply chain from production centers in Chile (Quillota) and Spain (Malaga), and then the distribution to several cities in Europe, suggested road export from Spain to European capitals to have the lowest impact (0.14 to 0.22 kg CO2 eq/kg of avocado). When export from Chile was considered, the option of oceanic freight to European ports closer to final destinations was clearly a better option (0.21 to 0.26 kg CO2 eq/kg) than via the Algeciras port in Spain followed by road transport to final destinations in European capitals (0.34 to 0.43 kg CO2 eq/kg), although the situation could be somewhat different if the avocados are transported from the destination ports in northern Europe to long-distance capitals in other European countries. Fruit origin had a significant impact on avocado primary and secondary metabolites. The conditions of the supply chain itself (10 d in cold storage in regular conditions vs. 30 d cold storage + controlled atmosphere conditions) largely influence the fate of some metabolites that certainly affect the pool of metabolites at edible ripeness. The long-assumed hypothesis that the longer the supply chain the more negative impact on nutritional and functional compounds might not hold in this case, as long as transport conditions are adequate in terms of temperature, atmosphere conditions, and time considering distance from origin to destination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Pedreschi
- Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Calle San Francisco s/n, La Palma, Quillota 2260000, Chile; (E.P.); (I.H.); (C.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (E.A.)
| | - Excequel Ponce
- Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Calle San Francisco s/n, La Palma, Quillota 2260000, Chile; (E.P.); (I.H.); (C.F.)
| | - Ignacia Hernández
- Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Calle San Francisco s/n, La Palma, Quillota 2260000, Chile; (E.P.); (I.H.); (C.F.)
| | - Claudia Fuentealba
- Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Calle San Francisco s/n, La Palma, Quillota 2260000, Chile; (E.P.); (I.H.); (C.F.)
| | - Antonio Urbina
- Department of Electronics, Computer Technology and Projects, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), Plaza del Hospital 1, 30202 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain;
| | - Jose J. González-Fernández
- Institute for Mediterranean and Subtropical Horticulture La Mayora (IHSM La Mayora-UMA-CSIC), 29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain; (J.J.G.-F.); (J.I.H.)
| | - Jose I. Hormaza
- Institute for Mediterranean and Subtropical Horticulture La Mayora (IHSM La Mayora-UMA-CSIC), 29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain; (J.J.G.-F.); (J.I.H.)
| | - David Campos
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (IBT-UNALM), Av. La Molina s/n, Lima 12056, Peru; (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosana Chirinos
- Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (IBT-UNALM), Av. La Molina s/n, Lima 12056, Peru; (D.C.); (R.C.)
| | - Encarna Aguayo
- Postharvest and Refrigeration Group and Quality and Health Group, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica (ETSIA) and Institute of Plant Biotechnology, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), Paseo Alfonso XIII, 48, 30203 Cartagena, Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.P.); (E.A.)
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10
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Esteve-Llorens X, Ita-Nagy D, Parodi E, González-García S, Moreira MT, Feijoo G, Vázquez-Rowe I. Environmental footprint of critical agro-export products in the Peruvian hyper-arid coast: A case study for green asparagus and avocado. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 818:151686. [PMID: 34808165 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Peru has become one of the world's main agricultural hubs for a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Two of these products, avocado and green asparagus, have raised attention in recent years in the international scene from an environmental perspective due to the high amounts of water they require, as well as the long air and marine freighting distances to export these products to Europe, Asia or the US. Consequently, the aim of the current study was to perform an environmental assessment of these two products using two life-cycle methods: carbon and water footprint. For the latter, water scarcity, acidification, eco-toxicity and eutrophication impact categories have been selected for assessment. Inventory data were gathered from six different companies located in different regions of the hyper-arid Peruvian coast. The results report that the products are not carbon intensive and are in line with other similar plant-based products. Conversely, the hyper-arid conditions of the cultivation sites require a large volume of groundwater to fulfill the needs of the crops. Interestingly, even though this may lead to overexploitation of groundwater resources in the absence of appropriate management policies, the low mobility of pollutants, namely pesticides, constitutes a natural barrier to protect the degradation of natural water bodies. Similarly, highly technified irrigation systems have allowed minimizing the amounts of water used per hectare. In conclusion, results from this study may be useful in more concise environmental assessment studies on food products and diets, considering the consumption of these Peruvian products in many countries in the world. Furthermore, results are also important at regional level since they depict the carbon and water performance of these products and can also be accompanied by cross-cutting certification schemes, including Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules Guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Esteve-Llorens
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Diana Ita-Nagy
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment and Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 1801 Avenida Universitaria, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
| | - Eduardo Parodi
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment and Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 1801 Avenida Universitaria, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
| | - Sara González-García
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - María Teresa Moreira
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Gumersindo Feijoo
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - Ian Vázquez-Rowe
- Peruvian Life Cycle Assessment and Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 1801 Avenida Universitaria, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru.
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11
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Machin Ferrero LM, Araujo PZ, Valdeón DH, Nishihara Hun AL, Mele FD. Water footprint of lemon production in Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 816:151614. [PMID: 34774951 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This work comes to fill a knowledge gap regarding the sustainability of the lemon industry. The motivation is the prominent role of the citrus sector in the economy of the northwest of Argentina and in the world: Argentina is the eighth largest producer of fresh citrus fruits, one of the four leading lemon-producing countries and the world's first lemon processor. A water footprint study is conducted to obtain relevant information on the water consumption and degradation associated with citrus production, according to the Water Footprint Network guidelines. A remarkable aspect is that most data used come mainly from actual practices and sources considering daily weather data of seven weather stations from 2012 to 2018. The green, blue and grey water footprints linked to the primary production of lemons are evaluated every year. The water footprint is distributed approximately in 69% (234 m3t-1) green, 8% (30 m3t-1) blue and 23% (82 m3t-1) grey. In addition, the Available Water Remaining (AWARE) indicator is used for outlining the blue water sustainability, resulting in a potential for blue water deprivation of 102 m3 world eq. per tonne of harvested lemons. This work is expected to serve as a baseline to provide diagnosis and improvement opportunities in the lemon sector for public and private stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas M Machin Ferrero
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Procesos y Gestión Industrial, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Av. Independencia 1800, T4002BLR San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
| | - Paula Z Araujo
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Procesos y Gestión Industrial, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Av. Independencia 1800, T4002BLR San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Daniel H Valdeón
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Procesos y Gestión Industrial, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Av. Independencia 1800, T4002BLR San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Facultad Regional Tucumán, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, Argentina
| | - Andrea L Nishihara Hun
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Procesos y Gestión Industrial, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Av. Independencia 1800, T4002BLR San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Fernando D Mele
- Departamento de Ingeniería de Procesos y Gestión Industrial, FACET, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Av. Independencia 1800, T4002BLR San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina.
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12
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Tao Y, Steckel D, Klemeš JJ, You F. Trend towards virtual and hybrid conferences may be an effective climate change mitigation strategy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7324. [PMID: 34916499 PMCID: PMC8677730 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has urged event holders to shift conferences online. Virtual and hybrid conferences are greener alternatives to in-person conferences, yet their environmental sustainability has not been fully assessed. Considering food, accommodation, preparation, execution, information and communication technology, and transportation, here we report comparative life cycle assessment results of in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences and consider carbon footprint trade-offs between in-person participation and hybrid conferences. We find that transitioning from in-person to virtual conferencing can substantially reduce the carbon footprint by 94% and energy use by 90%. For the sake of maintaining more than 50% of in-person participation, carefully selected hubs for hybrid conferences have the potential to slash carbon footprint and energy use by two-thirds. Furthermore, switching the dietary type of future conferences to plant-based diets and improving energy efficiencies of the information and communication technology sector can further reduce the carbon footprint of virtual conferences. Moving conferences from in-person to virtual and hybrid modes may have emissions reductions benefits. Here the authors find that the switch to virtual and hybrid conferencing reduces the carbon footprint by 94% when it comes to the switch to virtual conferencing, and 67% for hybrid conferences with carefully selected hubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Tao
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Debbie Steckel
- The American Center for Life Cycle Assessment, Bethesda, MD, 20824, USA
| | - Jiří Jaromír Klemeš
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory - SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology - VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 616 69, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Fengqi You
- Systems Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, NY, 14853, USA. .,Robert Frederick Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, NY, 14853, USA. .,Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, 340 Tower Road Cornell University Ithaca, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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13
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Eustachio Colombo P, Milner J, Scheelbeek PFD, Taylor A, Parlesak A, Kastner T, Nicholas O, Elinder LS, Dangour AD, Green R. Pathways to "5-a-day": modeling the health impacts and environmental footprints of meeting the target for fruit and vegetable intake in the United Kingdom. Am J Clin Nutr 2021; 114:530-539. [PMID: 33871601 PMCID: PMC8326030 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqab076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fruit and vegetable consumption in the United Kingdom is currently well below recommended levels, with a significant associated public health burden. The United Kingdom has committed to reducing its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, and this transition will require shifts towards plant-based diets. OBJECTIVE The aim was to quantify the health effects, environmental footprints, and cost associated with 4 different pathways to meeting the United Kingdom's "5-a-day" recommendation for fruit and vegetable consumption. METHODS Dietary data based on 18,006 food diaries from 4528 individuals participating in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2012/13-2016/17) constituted the baseline diet. Linear programming was used to model the hypothetical adoption of the 5-a-day (400 g) recommendation, which was assessed according to 4 pathways differing in their prioritization of fruits versus vegetables and UK-produced versus imported varieties. Increases in fruit and vegetable consumption were substituted for consumption of sweet snacks and meat, respectively. Changes in life expectancy were assessed using the IOMLIFET life table model. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), blue water footprint (WF), and total diet cost were quantified for each 5-a-day diet. RESULTS Achieving the 5-a-day target in the United Kingdom could increase average life expectancy at birth by 7-8 mo and reduce diet-related GHGEs by 6.1 to 12.2 Mt carbon dioxide equivalents/y; blue WFs would change by -0.14 to +0.07 km3/y. Greater reductions in GHGEs were achieved by prioritizing increased vegetable consumption over fruit, whereas the greatest reduction in WF was obtained by prioritizing vegetable varieties produced in the United Kingdom. All consumption pathways increased diet cost (£0.34-£0.46/d). CONCLUSIONS Benefits to both population and environmental health could be expected from consumption pathways that meet the United Kingdom's 5-a-day target for fruit and vegetables. Our analysis identifies cross-sectoral trade-offs and opportunities for national policy to promote fruit and vegetable consumption in the United Kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James Milner
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pauline F D Scheelbeek
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexandr Parlesak
- Global Nutrition and Health, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Kastner
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Owen Nicholas
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liselotte S Elinder
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alan D Dangour
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Green
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Zucchinelli M, Spinelli R, Corrado S, Lamastra L. Evaluation of the influence on water consumption and water scarcity of different healthy diet scenarios. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 291:112687. [PMID: 33934023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A deep understanding of the water-food nexus it is of a paramount importance as an avenue for sustainable development. Water forms the foundation for food production and a sustainable use of this resource is essential to guarantee the long-term productivity and to build resilient capacity in food and agricultural systems. Here we present methodological challenges regarding different water footprint (WF) methods applied to different dietary scenarios. The volumetric WF of three theoretical but realistic dietary patterns has been quantified (Omnivorous(O), Vegetarian(V) and Vegan(VG)), by means of the Water Footprint Network methodology. Moreover, the AWARE methodology is applied to assess potential impacts of water use trough the Water Scarcity Footprint (WSF). Diets are set to integrate and consider different drivers for food consumption encompassing the social value of the Mediterranean diet, healthy diet recommendations, food preferences of Italian consumers and the trade dimension of foodstuffs. In terms of volumetric WF, the O diet is the most water intensive one accounting for 2800 L/capita/day. A shift from an O to a V and VG diets allows to reduce the volumetric WF respectively 10% and 14%. Green water consumption accounts for the largest share (85%) in all three scenarios. Considering the WSF, V healthy diet is similar to the VG resulting in 11,069 and 11,130 L H2Oeq/capita/day respectively, whereas the O diet resulted in 11,932 L H2Oeq/capita/day. A sensitivity analysis was performed by changing each food category, one at a time, to its maximum and minimum value, in order to evaluate the significance of changes in the volumetric WF and WSF as well as the variables that mostly contribute to them. Results show that the volumetric WF associated with V and VG diets consumption overlay the O diet in respectively 53.5% and 35.7% of runs, while overlapping is improved comparing WSFs results. In this case, the WSFs of V and VG diets overlay the O diet in 83.5% of runs, suggesting that the alternative dietary scenarios would have little effect on the overall WSF and that the results are particularly sensitive to the different countries of importation. Results demonstrate the need to consider both volumetric WF and WSF with particular attention to trade analysis in order to support the development of new policies with the aim to foster sustainable consumption patterns, while preserving water resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zucchinelli
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Rosangela Spinelli
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Sara Corrado
- Resource Valorization lab, Department for Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Via Anguillarese 301, 00123, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Lamastra
- Department for Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29100, Piacenza, Italy.
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15
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Nutritional and Environmental Assessment of Increasing the Content of Fruit and Vegetables in the UK Diet. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13031076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the interest in increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the UK, the total average consumption is still below the recommended intakes. Evidence indicates that the UK government’s “five-a-day” policy has not been effective in reaching its goal. The results of fiscal policies (e.g., subsidies) to increase fruit and vegetable consumption are uncertain due to complex substitutions done by consumers amongst overall food choice. The goal of the present study was to estimate the prices (i.e., shadow prices) at which consumers can increase their intake of fruits and vegetables by 10% (higher than that achieved by the “five-a-day” policy) without changing the overall taste of the diet (utility). We estimated the ex-ante effect of increasing the UK’s fruit and vegetable consumption by 10% on household nutrient purchases and greenhouse gas emissions. The required changes in prices were estimated by extending the model of consumer behaviour under rationing. The model combines consumption data, demand elasticities estimated from home scan data, and nutrient coefficients for 20 foods consumed in the UK. Our results suggest that to increase vegetable and fruit consumption by 10% (under the current preferences), their prices should decline by 21% and 13%, respectively. However, there is a trade-off between nutrition and environmental goals; total average household caloric purchase declined by 11 kcal, but greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.7 CO2-eq kg/kg of food.
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16
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Frankowska A, Rivera XS, Bridle S, Kluczkovski AMRG, Tereza da Silva J, Martins CA, Rauber F, Levy RB, Cook J, Reynolds C. Impacts of home cooking methods and appliances on the GHG emissions of food. NATURE FOOD 2020; 1:787-791. [PMID: 37128063 DOI: 10.1038/s43016-020-00200-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Food is widely acknowledged as a major contributor to climate change but estimates of food-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions frequently consider supply chain stages only up to the farm gate or regional distribution centres. Here we estimate GHG emissions associated with different cooking methods and appliances in the UK. Data on current cooking practices were collected through a survey with more than 700 respondents. Our results reveal that home cooking accounts for as much as 61% of total emissions associated with specific foods, and that this can be substantially reduced through alternative, readily available cooking practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Frankowska
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Ximena Schmidt Rivera
- Equitable Development and Resilience Research Group, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Science, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Sarah Bridle
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Jacqueline Tereza da Silva
- School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
- HCor Research Institute, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Fernanda Rauber
- School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Joanne Cook
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Christian Reynolds
- Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Centre for Food Policy, City, University of London, London, UK
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