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Zhang Y, Yang Y. Estimating the carbon footprint of Mexican food consumption based on a high-resolution environmentally extended input-output model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:27192-27202. [PMID: 38509310 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Increased global attention is being paid to the food-health-climate trilemma. In this study, we evaluate the climate impacts of Mexico's food consumption patterns by creating a high-resolution (262 sectors) Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) model called MXEEIO. We focus on the differences between food away from home (FAFH) and food at home (FAH) and compare Mexico's results with those of the USA. The results show that the main components of food spending in Mexico were meat, baked products, and beverages, raising concerns about their potential negative health effects if consumed excessively. Mexico's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from food consumption were estimated at 149 million metric tons (MMT) in 2013, as opposed to 797 MMT for the USA. Meat and dairy products were the main contributors to Mexico's food-related GHG emissions, accounting for 57% of total emissions. Mexico spent a much smaller proportion of food-related income on FAFH than the USA (13% vs. 52%), suggesting great potential for growth as Mexico's per capita GDP continues to rise. Detailed contribution analysis shows that reducing Mexico's food-related GHG emissions would benefit most from a transition to low-carbon cattle farming, but mitigation efforts in other sectors such as crop cultivation and electricity generation are also important. Overall, our study underscores the significance of food-related GHG emissions in Mexico, especially those from meat and dairy products, and the mitigation challenges these sectors face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China.
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Figueiredo L, Lima JPM, Rocha A. Adherence to the Mediterranean Food Pattern and Carbon Footprint of Food Intake by Employees of a University Setting in Portugal. Nutrients 2024; 16:635. [PMID: 38474763 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mediterranean diet is characterized by the predominance of the consumption of fruit, vegetables, cereals, nuts, and pulses; consumption of olive oil as the main source of fat; regular but moderate consumption of win; moderate consumption of fish, dairy products, eggs, and white meats; and low consumption of red meat as well as sugar and sugary products. In addition to the reported health benefits, the Mediterranean diet has also been widely recognized as a sustainable food pattern. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between the degree of adherence to the Mediterranean diet of employees of the University of Porto and the relationship with the carbon footprint of their food consumption. METHODS An observational, analytical study was carried out, through the analysis of food consumption data collected in the form of a survey in the previous 24 h inserted in the eAT24 software, as well as the analysis of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health data collected in the questionnaire. The carbon footprint was calculated from the previous 24 h surveys using data available on a website, obtained in carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of food. Sociodemographic, eating habit, and lifestyle questions were selected to understand the relationship between these and adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the carbon footprint of food consumption. RESULTS In total, 13.2% of the participants had a Mediterranean diet score equal to or greater than six, and the sample had an average food intake carbon footprint of 8146 ± 3081 CO2eq/Kg of food. A weak, statistically significant positive correlation (r = 0.142, p = 0.006) was observed between Mediterranean diet adherence and the carbon footprint of food intake. CONCLUSIONS Most of the participants had a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as well as a high carbon footprint of food intake when compared to other countries. People with higher scores for Mediterranean diet adherence have, on average, a higher carbon footprint from food consumption intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia Figueiredo
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
| | - João P M Lima
- H&TRC-Health & Technology Research Center, Coimbra Health School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal
- GreenUPorto-Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ada Rocha
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- GreenUPorto-Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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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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Bezerra IN, Verde SMML, Almeida BDS, de Azevedo CV. Carbon Footprint of Away-From-Home Food Consumption in Brazilian Diet. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16708. [PMID: 36554589 PMCID: PMC9778906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Environmentally unsustainable diets are often characterized by being high in calories, processed foods, and red meats, characteristics related to away-from-home food (AFHF). The aim of this study is to evaluate if AFHF consumption is related to environmental sustainability. Data of 20,780 adults from 24 h recalls collected in the 2017-2018 Brazilian National Dietary Survey (NDS) were used to estimate carbon footprint coefficients. The mean carbon footprint was estimated among individuals who consumed AFHF and non-consumers. Linear regression models were used to evaluate differences between away-from-home eating and the carbon footprint of the diet, adjusting for age and income. A total of 41% of Brazilians consumed AFHF during the previous day. The mean carbon footprint from foods consumed away from home represented 18% of the total carbon footprint. AFHF was positively associated with increased total carbon footprint (β: 204.1; p-value: 0.0145). In conclusion, the consumption of foods away from home in urban areas of Brazil was associated with atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions independently of age and income. Away-from-home food consumption should be considered to reinforce the influence of diet on individual and planet health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Nogueira Bezerra
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Ceara State University, Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Sara Maria Moreira Lima Verde
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Ceara State University, Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Bruno de Sousa Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Ceara State University, Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 1700, Fortaleza 60714-903, Brazil
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Nutritional, rheological, sensory characteristics and environmental impact of a yogurt-like dairy drink for children enriched with lupin flour. Int J Gastron Food Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgfs.2022.100617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Jia M, Zhen L. Food Consumption Characteristics and Influencing Factors in a Grassland Transect of Inner Mongolia Based on the Emergy Method. Foods 2022; 11:foods11223637. [PMID: 36429232 PMCID: PMC9688981 DOI: 10.3390/foods11223637] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Food consumption is the vital connection between human beings and natural resources. Our research explores the characteristics and drivers of food consumption patterns within Mongolian grasslands with a vulnerable ecology and environment. Food consumption data were obtained via a household questionnaire survey, and the emergy method was applied to analyze the food consumption characteristics in different grassland areas. This led to the following results: (1) The total per capita food consumption in different banners showed greater consumption and higher percentage of animal-based food in regions farther north. (2) From south to north, the main meat consumption in different banners varied, the predominant meat type consumed in Taibus was pork, that in Zhenglan was mutton, and that in West Ujimqin was beef. The farther north, the more fruits and vegetables were consumed. (3) The characteristics of food consumption in different areas were influenced by a series of factors, including social, economic, and ecological ones. Local food supply and disposable income were the main factors that had important effects on food consumption structure, as these two factors provided accessibility to foods for consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jia
- Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lin Zhen
- Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Correspondence:
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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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Dai T, Jordaan SM, Wemhoff AP. Gaussian Process Regression as a Replicable, Streamlined Approach to Inventory and Uncertainty Analysis in Life Cycle Assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3821-3829. [PMID: 35201765 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c04252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Life cycle assessment plays a critical role in quantifying environmental impacts, but its credibility remains challenged when data and uncertainty analysis are lacking. In this study, we propose a data compilation framework to address these two issues. The framework first quantifies the correlations of production activities among existing data in temporal, geographical, and taxonomic dimensions. The framework then introduces covariance functions to convert these correlations to a similarity matrix, and the Gaussian process regression model is adopted to predict new data based on these covariance functions. The associated uncertainty is automatically characterized using the posterior distribution of predictions. The framework is demonstrated on the nitrogen fertilizer application rate for food production─an activity recognized for its environmental burden─with results capable of reflecting temporal and geographical variations. By introducing the concept of phylogenetic distance as a correlation of taxonomy, the framework provides a quantitative basis for predictions in a proxy data usage scenario. The framework can be used in developing temporally and regionally representative life cycle inventories and databases and can facilitate consistent uncertainty quantification in future life cycle assessment methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Dai
- School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
| | - Sarah M Jordaan
- School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, District of Columbia 20036, United States
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Aaron P Wemhoff
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Villanova University, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085, United States
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Khan AH, López-Maldonado EA, Khan NA, Villarreal-Gómez LJ, Munshi FM, Alsabhan AH, Perveen K. Current solid waste management strategies and energy recovery in developing countries - State of art review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133088. [PMID: 34856242 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste generation has rapidly increased due to the worldwide population, urbanization, and industrialization. Solid waste management (SWM) is a significant challenge for a society that arises local issues with global consequences. Thus, solid waste management strategies to recycle waste products are promising practices that positively impact sustainable goals. Several developed countries possess excellent solid waste management strategies to recycle waste products. Developing countries face many challenges, such as municipal solid waste (MSW) sorting and handling due to high population density and economic instability. This mismanagement could further expedite harmful environmental and socioeconomic concerns. This review discusses the current solid waste management and energy recovery production in developing countries; with statistics, this review provides a comprehensive revision on energy recovery technologies such as the thermochemical and biochemical conversion of waste with economic considerations. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges of SWM in developing countries, including several immediate actions and future policy recommendations for improving the current status of SWM via harnessing technology. This review has the potential of helping municipalities, government authorities, researchers, and stakeholders working on MSW management to make effective decisions for improved SWM for achieving sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afzal Husain Khan
- Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Jazan University, P.O. Box. 706, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300, Pulau, Pinang, Malaysia.
| | - Eduardo Alberto López-Maldonado
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California, CP, 22390, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Nadeem A Khan
- Civil Engineering Department, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.
| | - Luis Jesús Villarreal-Gómez
- Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Autonomous University of Baja California, CP, 22390, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias de La Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Blvd Universitario 1000, Unidad Valle de Las Palmas, 22260, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Faris M Munshi
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah H Alsabhan
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kahkashan Perveen
- Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11495, Saudi Arabia
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San Miguel G, Ruiz D. Environmental sustainability of a pork and bean stew. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149203. [PMID: 34332384 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this investigation is to quantify the environmental footprint of an industrially produced bean and pork stew produced using a combination of local/imported and fresh/ processed ingredients. The study describes 16 midpoint categories and an aggregated score, calculated following the EC Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology. The carbon footprint of 1 kg of stew amounts to 2.23 kg CO2 eq., with the production of ingredients (upstream phase) dominating most impact categories (e.g., 68.0% of carbon footprint and 73.5% of the single score), due primarily to the emission intensity of animal products. Although the white beans account for 43.7 wt%, its carbon emissions represent only 18.4% of those generated by the ingredients. However, white beans have a high contribution on other impact categories such as toxicity, acidification, and eutrophication, which are associated with the use of agrochemicals. Despite being imported from Argentina to Spain, transport has a limited contribution to most impact categories (e.g., 18.1% climate change and 12.9% the single score). Despite showing a very high carbon intensity, the contribution of spices to the environmental footprint of the stew is very limited due to the very small amounts consumed. The industrial cooking stage (core phase) contributes to 17.3% of the stew's carbon footprint and 10.6% of the aggregated score, due to emissions derived primarily from the use of natural gas and electricity. Distribution is the activity contributing the most to the consumption stage. The tinplate employed to fabricate the metal cans is responsible for most of the impact associated with the packaging of the stew. However, substituting tinplate with aluminium is not recommended due primarily to the lower environmental savings associated with the recycling of the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo San Miguel
- School of Industrial Engineering (ETSII), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, Grupo de Agroenergética, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28006, Spain.
| | - Diego Ruiz
- School of Industrial Engineering (ETSII), C/José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2, Grupo de Agroenergética, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28006, Spain
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Clodoveo ML, Muraglia M, Fino V, Curci F, Fracchiolla G, Corbo FFR. Overview on Innovative Packaging Methods Aimed to Increase the Shelf-Life of Cook-Chill Foods. Foods 2021; 10:foods10092086. [PMID: 34574196 PMCID: PMC8469076 DOI: 10.3390/foods10092086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The consumption of meals prepared, packaged, and consumed inside and outside the home is increasing globally. This is a result of rapid changes in lifestyles as well as innovations in advanced food technologies that have enabled the food industry to produce more sustainable and healthy fresh packaged convenience foods. This paper presents an overview of the technologies and compatible packaging systems that are designed to increase the shelf-life of foods prepared by cook–chill technologies. The concept of shelf-life is discussed and techniques to increase the shelf life of products are presented including active packaging strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lisa Clodoveo
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Marilena Muraglia
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (V.F.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (F.F.R.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Vincenzo Fino
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (V.F.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (F.F.R.C.)
| | - Francesca Curci
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (V.F.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (F.F.R.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Fracchiolla
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (V.F.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (F.F.R.C.)
| | - Filomena Faustina Rina Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University Aldo Moro Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; (V.F.); (F.C.); (G.F.); (F.F.R.C.)
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Pérez-Neira D, Copena D, Armengot L, Simón X. Transportation can cancel out the ecological advantages of producing organic cacao: The carbon footprint of the globalized agrifood system of ecuadorian chocolate. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111306. [PMID: 32911387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Under the hypothesis that organically managed cacao agroforestry systems report a lower global warming potential (GWP) and reduce other environmental pressure indicators compared with conventionally managed systems and monocultures, this work discusses how global transportation can cut back the ecological advantage of the production phase. For this purpose, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of 1 kg of dark chocolate manufactured with Ecuadorian cacao has been performed (cradle-to-retailer approach), including the indirect impacts of transportation and estimating the equilibrium distances beyond which organic chocolate would have a higher impact than chocolate manufactured from cacao grown in monocultures and/or conventionally managed systems. To articulate the discussion, the carbon footprint (CF) of cacao/chocolate was analyzed together with 10 additional LCA-related impact categories. Three management systems-conventional monoculture (CM) and agroforestry (CA), and organic agroforestry (OA)-and three different supply chain scenarios with different weights in the transportation phase were studied. Expanding on the concept of "food miles", the equivalent kilometers of the impact of emissions (km-eq) (or cumulated energy demand, eutrophication, etc.) were defined as the variable distance that a certain means of transportation can travel in relation to a fixed level of GHG emissions (or MJ, kg PO4-eq, etc.). The CF of the life cycle of cacao/chocolate was estimated at between 2.04 and 4.66 kg CO2-eq kg-1. The relative weight of transportation in relation to the total GHG emissions ranged between 8.9% and 51.1%, with cacao/chocolate traveling between 1380 and 9155 km-eq. The CF of chocolate made from cacao grown in OA systems was 22.7%-34.2% and 6.3%-10.7% lower than the CF of chocolate produced from cacao grown in CM and CA and manufactured and transported under the same conditions. The equilibrium distances between managements were estimated at 1213 and 5275 km-eq. Beyond those equivalent kilometers, organic chocolate would have a larger CF than chocolate manufactured from cacao grown, respectively, in CA and CM systems. Our results indicate that transportation would cancel out this and most other comparative ecological advantages of producing organic cacao analyzed in this work. Directly exporting chocolate from cacao-producing countries and relocating chocolate manufacture would help reduce GHG emissions and other environmental impacts of the supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damián Copena
- Department of Economics, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Laura Armengot
- International Cooperation Department, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, FiBL, Switzerland.
| | - Xavier Simón
- Department of Applied Economy, FCEE, Vigo University, Vigo, Spain.
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