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Saget S, Styles D, Williams M. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of alternative winter salad value chains supplying the United Kingdom. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 952:175870. [PMID: 39216752 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175870] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Lettuce is an established food commodity in the UK increasingly facing supply challenges in winter due to adverse weather events and rising energy costs. We investigate whether an agroecologically grown salad mix of lettuce and underutilised leafy greens produced in the Azores, Portugal, could be part of a sustainable solution. We performed a Life Cycle Assessment to compare the environmental impacts of this salad mix with four other value chains for winter salad supply to the UK: conventional open-field lettuce production chains in Spain using (1) current irrigation practices; (2) 100 % desalinated irrigation water; or hydroponic controlled environment agriculture within the UK powered by (3) the national electricity mix; (4) 100 % wind-generated electricity. Results indicated that the leafy-greens agroecological value chain incurred the smallest environmental burdens across 7 to 11 of 16 impact categories studied. Substituting Spanish winter salad supply with agroecological leafy green production in the Azores, if well managed, could reduce many environmental burdens whilst diversifying leafy greens intake. Nevertheless, all winter value chains were associated with larger environmental burdens than conventional open-field production of lettuce in the UK summer, pointing to the importance of seasonal consumption and wider adoption of agroecological techniques to effectively reduce environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Saget
- Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - David Styles
- School of Chemical & Biological Sciences and Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael Williams
- Department of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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2
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Aceves-Martins M, Lofstedt A, Godina Flores NL, Ortiz Hernández DM, de Roos B. What Environmental Metrics Are Used in Scientific Research to Estimate the Impact of Human Diets? Nutrients 2024; 16:3166. [PMID: 39339766 PMCID: PMC11435316 DOI: 10.3390/nu16183166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Metrics drive diagnosis, and metrics will also drive our response to the challenge of climate change. Recognising how current scientific research defines and uses metrics of the environmental impact of human diets is essential to understand which foods, food groups, or dietary patterns are associated with a higher environmental impact. METHODS This research, aided by artificial intelligence (AI), aimed to search, map, and synthesise current evidence on the commonly used definitions and metrics of the environmental impacts of human diets. RESULTS We identified 466 studies measuring the environmental impact of diets. Most studies were from North American or European countries (67%), with data mainly from high-income countries (81%). Most studies did not include methods to recall the provenance of the foods consumed. Most (53%) of the studies only used one metric to estimate the environmental impact of human diets, with 82% of the studies using GHGE. CONCLUSIONS Agreement on how the environmental impact of diets is measured and more comprehensive and accurate data on the environmental impact of single foods is essential to better understand what changes in food systems are needed, at a consumer and policy level, to make a well-meaning change towards a more sustainable diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anneli Lofstedt
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | | | | | - Baukje de Roos
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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3
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Gage E, Jain R, Terry LA, Falagán N. Controlled atmosphere as cold chain support for extending postharvest life in cabbage. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY : PPB 2024; 216:109094. [PMID: 39243582 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2024.109094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Postharvest management of cabbage relies on high-intensity cooling to control postharvest physiology, minimising quality loss despite incurring significant energy and environmental costs. As an alternative, we hypothesised that controlled atmosphere (CA) could allow increased storage temperature by supporting physiological regulation, while maintaining quality and reducing energy demand. This study examined the effect CA (1.5 kPa CO2 and 6 kPa O2) at 5 or 10 °C on cabbage quality, with the aim of proposing a more sustainable and resilient supply chain. CA treatment was effective at reducing head respiration at higher temperature, with CA/10 °C treatment achieving lower respiration rates than Control/5 °C. Improved head colour retention and maintenance of stump quality were observed in cabbage under CA conditions. CA effects were seen also at a regulatory level; CA promoted an average of 25.4% reduction in abscisic acid accumulation potentially as part of a wider hypoxia stress response and was successful in decreasing expression of the senescence-coordinating transcription factor BoORE15. This finding was linked with a lower in downstream expression of pheophytinase and subtilisin protease. These results demonstrated that CA treatment fundamentally modified postharvest physiology in cabbage, which can be exploited to enable storage at warmer temperatures, contributing to supply chains with lower energy demand and its associated environmental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan Gage
- Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Ritika Jain
- Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Leon A Terry
- Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK
| | - Natalia Falagán
- Plant Science Laboratory, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK.
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Kumar R, Oruna-Concha MJ, Niranjan K, Vimaleswaran KS. A review on vitamin A deficiency and depleted immunity in South Asia: From deficiency to resilience. Nutrition 2024; 124:112452. [PMID: 38669831 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112452] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In the developing world, the twin challenges of depleted health and growing issue of food waste management loom large, demanding simultaneous attention and innovative solutions. This review explores how these issues can be effectively mitigated while shedding light on the transformative impact of food waste valorization on health management. A spotlight is cast on vitamin A deficiency (VAD), an acute public health concern, especially prevalent in South Asia, driven by economic constraints, sociocultural factors, inadequate diets, and poor nutrient absorption. VAD's devastating effects are exacerbated by limited education, lack of sanitation, ineffective food regulations, and fragile monitoring systems, disproportionately affecting children and women of childbearing age. Recent studies in South Asian countries have revealed rising rates of illness and death, notably among children and women of childbearing age, due to VAD. To address inadequate dietary intake in children utilizing vegetable waste, particularly from carrots and beetroot, which are rich in β-carotene, and betalains, respectively, offers a sustainable solution. Extracting these compounds from vegetable waste for supplementation, fortification, and dietary diversification could significantly improve public health, addressing both food waste and health disparities economically. This approach presents a compelling avenue for exploration and implementation. In summary, this review presents an integrated approach to tackle health and food waste challenges in the developing world. By tapping into the nutritional treasure troves within vegetable waste, we can enhance health outcomes while addressing food waste, forging a brighter and healthier future for communities in need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kumar
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Keshavan Niranjan
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Karani S Vimaleswaran
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK; Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH), University of Reading, Reading, UK.
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5
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Chen H, Wang X, Ji JS, Huang L, Qi Y, Wu Y, He P, Li Y, Bodirsky BL, Müller C, Willett WC, Yuan C. Plant-based and planetary-health diets, environmental burden, and risk of mortality: a prospective cohort study of middle-aged and older adults in China. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e545-e553. [PMID: 39122323 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-based diets (PBDs) and planetary-health diets (PHDs) are recommended for their potential health and environmental benefits, but population-based evidence in diverse cultures is scarce. METHODS We included 9364 adults aged 45 years and older (52·3% female, 47·7% male) from the open cohort of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day 24 h dietary recalls combined with weighing methods from 1997 to 2011, and mortality was documented from 1997 to 2015. We calculated the overall PBD index (PDI), healthful PBD index (hPDI), and unhealthful PBD index (uPDI; ranges 18-90), and the PHD score (range 0-140). We also estimated the related greenhouse gas emissions, land appropriation, and total water footprint and examined their associations with mortality. FINDINGS PBD indices were inversely related to greenhouse gas emissions, land appropriation, and total water footprint, whereas higher PHD score was related to higher environmental burdens (p<0·0001). During follow-up (mean 9·2 years), 792 (8·5%) death cases were documented. PDI (HR 1·08 [95% CI 0·88-1·32]) and hPDI (0·98 [0·80-1·21]) were not significantly associated with mortality, whereas higher uPDI was related to a higher mortality risk (1·55 [1·26-1·91]). In contrast, higher PHD score was associated with lower mortality risk (0·79 [0·63-0·99]). INTERPRETATION The PBDs showed environmental benefits, but are not necessarily associated with lower mortality risk. The PHD, developed mainly in western populations, was related to lower mortality risk but higher environmental burdens in the Chinese population. FUNDING Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Zhejiang University Global Partnership Fund, and National Natural Science Foundation of China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- China Academy for Rural Development, Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - John S Ji
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Qi
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - You Wu
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pan He
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Leon Bodirsky
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Christoph Müller
- China Academy for Rural Development, Department of Agricultural Economics and Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Walter C Willett
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Changzheng Yuan
- School of Public Health, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Prasad RV, Dhital S, Williamson G, Barber E. Nutrient Composition, Physical Characteristics and Sensory Quality of Spinach-Enriched Wheat Bread. Foods 2024; 13:2401. [PMID: 39123592 PMCID: PMC11312006 DOI: 10.3390/foods13152401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Food innovation that utilises agricultural waste while enhancing nutritional value is important for waste valorisation and consumer health. This study investigated incorporating spinach (Spinacia oleracea), as a model leafy agricultural waste, into wheat bread. We analysed the nutrient content, colour, texture, sensory attributes and purchase/consume intention ratings. Adding 10-40% spinach (w/w) yielded loaves with similar heights but significantly different colour and texture (p < 0.05) from white bread. Increasing spinach decreased total carbohydrates (including starch) while significantly increasing other nutrients (protein, fibre, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium, vitamins A, C, E, folate, niacin, pyridoxine, nitrate/nitrite and polyphenols) (p < 0.05). Spinach addition increased bread porosity, linked to higher pasting parameters (peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosity) with reduced pasting time and temperature. Texture analysis resulted in decreased hardness, chewiness, gumminess and firmness while increasing cohesiveness, with maximum resilience at 20% spinach enrichment. Sensory analysis with 21 untrained panellists revealed decreased visual appeal, less preferred taste, odour and overall liking (p < 0.05) with increasing spinach, with no significant difference in texture acceptance, but the 20% enrichment had comparable acceptance to white bread. Enriching staple foods like bread with leafy vegetable waste offers a promising approach for increasing daily vegetable intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritnesh Vishal Prasad
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, BASE Facility, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Sushil Dhital
- Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia (BioPRIA), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| | - Gary Williamson
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, BASE Facility, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia;
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Barber
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, BASE Facility, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, VIC 3168, Australia;
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Victorian Heart Hospital, 631 Blackburn Road, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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7
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Shannon OM, Townsend R, Malcomson FC, Matu J, Griffiths A, Jennings A, Ward N, Papier K, Best N, French C, Scheelbeek P, Kim C, Ochieng B, Jay F, Shepherd K, Corfe B, Fairley A, McEvoy CT, Minihane AM, Sim YJ, Stevenson E, Gregory S. Adherence to the Eatwell Guide and population and planetary health: A Rank Prize Forum report. NUTR BULL 2024; 49:108-119. [PMID: 38294140 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
This report summarises a Forum conducted in June 2023 to explore the current state of the knowledge around the Eatwell Guide, which is the UK government's healthy eating tool, in relation to population and planetary health. The 1.5-day Forum highlighted the limited, albeit promising evidence linking higher adherence to the Eatwell Guide with favourable health outcomes, including reduced overall mortality risk, lower abdominal obesity in post-menopausal women and improved cardiometabolic health markers. Similarly, evidence was presented to suggest that higher adherence to the Eatwell Guide is associated with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Presentations were given around cultural adaptations of the Eatwell Guide, including African Heritage and South Asian versions, which are designed to increase the acceptability and uptake of the Eatwell Guide in these communities in the United Kingdom. Presentations highlighted ongoing work relevant to the applications of the Eatwell Guide in randomised controlled trials and public health settings, including the development of a screening tool to quantify Eatwell Guide adherence. The Forum ended with a World Café-style event, in which the strengths and limitations of the Eatwell Guide were discussed, and directions for future research were identified. This Forum report serves as a primer on the current state of the knowledge on the Eatwell Guide and population and planetary health and will be of interest to researchers, healthcare professionals and public health officials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver M Shannon
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rebecca Townsend
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona C Malcomson
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jamie Matu
- School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Amy Jennings
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nicola Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Keren Papier
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Best
- Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Chloe French
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Pauline Scheelbeek
- Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Curie Kim
- Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, School of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Bertha Ochieng
- Centre for Primary Care Research, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | | | | | - Bernard Corfe
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrea Fairley
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Claire T McEvoy
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Anne-Marie Minihane
- Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Yi Jia Sim
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Stevenson
- Human Nutrition & Exercise Research Centre, Centre for Healthier Lives, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Dame Margaret Barbour Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sarah Gregory
- Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Kumar R, Methven L, Oruna-Concha MJ. A Comparative Study of Ethanol and Citric Acid Solutions for Extracting Betalains and Total Phenolic Content from Freeze-Dried Beetroot Powder. Molecules 2023; 28:6405. [PMID: 37687234 PMCID: PMC10489171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This research compares the extraction of betalains (betacyanin and betaxanthin) and total phenolic content using citric acid and aqueous-ethanol solutions. The aim is to find an environmentally sustainable alternative solvent for extracting these compounds from dried beetroot powder. Using citric acid solution as a solvent offers several benefits over ethanol. Citric acid is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits, making it a safe and environmentally friendly choice for certain extraction processes. Moreover, the use of citric acid as solvent offers biodegradability, non-toxicity, non-flammability, and is cost effective. A full factorial design and response surface methodology (RSM) were employed to assess the effects of extraction parameters (extraction time (5-30 min), extraction temperature (20, 30, 40 °C), pH of citric acid solution (3, 4, 5) and ethanol concentration (10, 20, 30% v/v)). The yield was determined spectrophotometrically and expressed as mg/g of dry powder. The results showed that citric acid solution yielded 85-90% of the ethanolic extract under identical conditions. The maximum yields of betacyanin, betaxanthin, and total phenolic content in citric acid solution were 3.98 ± 0.21 mg/g dry powder, 3.64 ± 0.26 mg/g dry powder, and 8.28 ± 0.34 mg/g dry powder, respectively, while aqueous-ethanol yielded 4.38 ± 0.17 mg/g dry powder, 3.95 ± 0.22 mg/g dry powder, and 8.45 ± 0.45 mg/g dry powder. Optimisation resulted in maximum extraction yields of 90% for betalains and 85% for total phenolic content. The study demonstrates the potential of citric acid as a viable alternative to polar organic solvents for extracting phytochemicals from plant material, providing comparable results to aqueous-ethanol. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models outperformed RSM in predicting extraction yields. Overall, this research highlights the importance of exploring bio-solvents to enhance the environmental sustainability of phytochemical extraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Jose Oruna-Concha
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6DZ, UK; (R.K.); (L.M.)
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Schmidt Rivera X, Rodgers B, Odanye T, Jalil-Vega F, Farmer J. The role of aeroponic container farms in sustainable food systems - The environmental credentials. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160420. [PMID: 36435240 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160420] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable food production and consumption are key to face the current climate and environmental crisis, hence innovation to produce food with lower impacts are taking more attention. Controlled environment agriculture, also known as vertical farming, is seen as one innovative approach to reduce impacts of producing food while also improving food security. Aeroponic is one of such innovations, which environmental impacts have not been well understood yet. Therefore, this study assesses the environmental impacts of aeroponic farm container system in the UK, including a full set of 19 indicators. The results show that energy requirements drive all the impacts, with climate change estimated at 1.52 kg CO2eq. per 1 kg of microgreens (pea shoots) using 2021 UK grid. Renewable powered systems improve almost all the impacts, with climate change reduced by up to 80 %, making this system competitive with conventional agricultural systems. This study proves that aeroponic farm container could offer lower impact food than equivalent imported to the UK, and that also could improve food security in terms of availability, stability, and access to food. Affordability issues need to be assessed in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Schmidt Rivera
- Equitable Development and Resilience Research Group (EDR), Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, UB8 3PH Uxbridge, UK.
| | | | | | - Francisca Jalil-Vega
- Electrical Energy Management Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Bristol, BS8 1UB Bristol, UK; Center for Energy Transition (CENTRA), Faculty of Engineering and Sciences, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago, Chile; Instituto Sistemas Complejos de Ingeniería (ISCI), Santiago, Chile
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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Trolle E, Nordman M, Lassen AD, Colley TA, Mogensen L. Carbon Footprint Reduction by Transitioning to a Diet Consistent with the Danish Climate-Friendly Dietary Guidelines: A Comparison of Different Carbon Footprint Databases. Foods 2022; 11:1119. [PMID: 35454705 PMCID: PMC9030092 DOI: 10.3390/foods11081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary transitions are important for combating many of the environmental challenges humanity is facing today and reducing the global burden of disease. Different dietary patterns are associated with substantially different carbon footprints (CFs). This study aims to estimate the potential CF reduction on a transition from the current Danish diet to a plant-rich diet consistent with the Danish food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and to compare results obtained from the use of two different CF databases. Dietary intake data for adults aged 18-64 years from the national dietary survey 2011-2013 were used to calculate the CF of the current diet, and this was compared with the estimated CF of the plant-rich diet modelled for the FBDG. Calculations were carried out using an attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) database (AU-DTU data) and compared to calculations using a top-down hybrid consequential LCA database (BCD data). The transition from the current diet to the plant-rich diet showed a substantial estimated CF reduction of 31% with AU-DTU data, and a greater reduction with BCD data (43%). Ruminant meat reduction was the largest contributor to this CF reduction, especially with the use of BCD data, and other animal-based foods also contribute considerably to the CF reduction, especially with AU-DTU data. These results indicate that the choice of LCA methodology and CF database is important in estimation of dietary CF and for the development of guidelines to promote dietary change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Trolle
- Nutrition, Sustainability and Health Promotion Group, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark; (M.N.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Matilda Nordman
- Nutrition, Sustainability and Health Promotion Group, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark; (M.N.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Anne Dahl Lassen
- Nutrition, Sustainability and Health Promotion Group, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, DK-2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark; (M.N.); (A.D.L.)
| | - Tracey A. Colley
- Quantitative Sustainability Assessment (QSA) Group, Sustainability Division, Department of Technology, Management and Economics, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kgs Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Lisbeth Mogensen
- Department of Agroecology, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark;
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13
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Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Life Cycle Thinking: A New Approach to Environmental and Nutritional Assessment of Potato Chips. Foods 2022; 11:foods11071018. [PMID: 35407105 PMCID: PMC8997988 DOI: 10.3390/foods11071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus has become a key concept to promote the cross-sectoral coordination toward sustainable development. In particular, understanding the interdependences of these pillars, as well as addressing a life cycle perspective, is essential when evaluating food production systems. This study explores the environmental impacts and nutritional quality of potato chips, addressing life cycle thinking and a WEF nexus approach. For this purpose, the combined application of life cycle assessment (LCA) and the Nutrient-Rich Food 9.3 (NRF9.3) index was considered to identify the main environmental hotspots and advanced opportunities. The results indicated a major contribution of the cultivation stage on water use, whereas the processing accounted for most of the impacts in energy-related indicators and eutrophication potentials. Improvement opportunities reside in the joint application of drip irrigation, allowing to achieve important water savings, as well as the use of natural gas or pellets instead of diesel, which constitute cleaner energy sources. On the other hand, a poor nutritional density of potato chips became evident from the quantification of the NRF9.3, which can be significantly improved if potatoes undergo a roasted process instead of frying.
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14
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Equity, technological innovation and sustainable behaviour in a low-carbon future. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:326-337. [PMID: 35102347 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The world must ambitiously curtail greenhouse gas emissions to achieve climate stability. The literature often supposes that a low-carbon future will depend on a mix of technological innovation-improving the performance of new technologies and systems-as well as more sustainable behaviours such as travelling less or reducing waste. To what extent are low-carbon technologies, and their associated behaviours, currently equitable, and what are potential policy and research implications moving forward? In this Review, we examine how four innovations in technology and behaviour-improved cookstoves and heating, battery electric vehicles, household solar panels and food-sharing-create complications and force trade-offs on different equity dimensions. We draw from these cases to discuss a typology of inequity cutting across demographic (for example, gender, race and class), spatial (for example, urban and rural divides), interspecies (for example, human and non-human) and temporal (for example, future generations) vulnerabilities. Ultimately, the risk of inequity abounds in decarbonization pathways. Moreover, low-carbon innovations are not automatically just, equitable or even green. We show how such technologies and behaviours can both introduce new inequalities and reaffirm existing ones. We then discuss potential policy insights and leverage points to make future interventions more equitable and propose an integrated research agenda to supplement these policy efforts.
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15
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De Bauw M, Vranken L, Matthys C. Bridging gaps in food labelling. NUTR BULL 2022; 47:2-8. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michiel De Bauw
- Division of Bio‐economics Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Liesbet Vranken
- Division of Bio‐economics Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology University Hospitals Leuven Leuven Belgium
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16
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Can Precise Irrigation Support the Sustainability of Protected Cultivation? A Life-Cycle Assessment and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w14010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To address sustainability challenges, agricultural advances in Mediterranean horticultural systems will necessitate a paradigmatic shift toward smart technologies, the impacts of which from a life cycle perspective have to be explored. Using life cycle thinking approaches, this study evaluated the synergistic environmental and economic performance of precise irrigation in greenhouse Zucchini production following a cradle-to-farm gate perspective. A cloud-based decision support system and a sensor-based irrigation management system (both referred to as “smart irrigation” approaches) were analyzed and compared to the farmer’s experience-based irrigation. The potential environmental indicators were quantified using life cycle assessment (LCA) with the ReCiPe 2016 method. For the economic analysis, life cycle costing (LCC) was applied, accounting not only for private product costs but also for so-called “hidden” or “external” environmental costs by monetizing LCA results. Smart irrigation practices exhibited similar performance, consuming on average 38.2% less irrigation water and energy, thus generating environmental benefits ranging from 0.17% to 62%. Single score results indicated that life cycle environmental benefits are up to 13% per ton of product. The cost-benefit analysis results showed that even though the implementation of smart irrigation imposes upfront investment costs, these costs are offset by the benefits to water and energy conservation associated with these practices. The reduction of investment costs and higher water costs in future, and lower internal rate of return can further enhance the profitability of smart irrigation strategies. The overall results of this study highlight that smart and innovative irrigation practices can enhance water-energy efficiency, gaining an economic advantage while also reducing the environmental burdens of greenhouse cultivation in a Mediterranean context.
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17
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Zhao HL, Wang L, Liu F, Liu HQ, Zhang N, Zhu YW. Energy, environment and economy assessment of medical waste disposal technologies in China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148964. [PMID: 34273841 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Medical waste (MW) has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic and aroused great concern to MW disposal. Meanwhile, the energy recovery for MW disposal is necessary due to high heat value of MW. Harmless disposal of MW with economically and environmentally sustainable technologies along with higher energy recovery is urgently required, and their energy recovery efficiencies and environmental impacts reduction due to energy recovery are key issues. In this study, five MW disposal technologies, i.e. rotary kiln incineration, pyrolysis incineration, plasma melting, steam sterilization and microwave sterilization, were evaluated and compared via energy recovery analysis (ERA), life cycle assessment (LCA), and life cycle costing (LCC) methods. Furthermore, three MW incineration technologies with further energy recovery and two sterilization followed by co-incineration technologies were analyzed to explore their improvement potential of energy recovery and environment benefits via scenario analysis. ERA results reveal that the energy recovery efficiencies of "steam and microwave sterilization + incineration" are the highest (≥83.4%), while that of the plasma melting is the lowest (19.2%). LCA results show that "microwave sterilization + landfill" outperforms others while the plasma melting exhibits the worst, electricity is the most significant contributor to the environmental impacts of five technologies. Scenario analysis shows that the overall environmental impact of all technologies reduced by at least 45% after further heat utilization. LCC results demonstrate that pyrolysis incineration delivers the lowest economic cost, while plasma melting is the highest. Co-incineration of sterilized MW and municipal solid waste could be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Long Zhao
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Engineering, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China; School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province (KLaCER), School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Engineering, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 310024 Zhejiang Province, China; School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Environment and Resources of Zhejiang Province (KLaCER), School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Han-Qiao Liu
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin 300384, China.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), Weberplatz 1, Dresden 01217, Germany
| | - Yu-Wen Zhu
- College of Energy and Safety Engineering, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin 300384, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin 300384, China
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18
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Research on the Spatio-Temporal Impacts of Environmental Factors on the Fresh Agricultural Product Supply Chain and the Spatial Differentiation Issue-An Empirical Research on 31 Chinese Provinces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212141. [PMID: 34831896 PMCID: PMC8621798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors in time and space play a critical role in advancing the sustainable development of the fresh agricultural product supply chain. This paper, availing the panel data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2019, constructs a system of indicators assessing the development of the fresh agricultural product supply chain, and obtains the comprehensive development level in the Entropy Weight Method (EWM). Furthermore, it establishes a comparison between optimal solutions generated by the Instrumental Variables Method (IVM) and the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) over the endogeneity issue of variables, creates the comparison between the weighted regression methods of Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) and Multi-scale Geographic Weighted Regression (MGWR), and obtains the relationship among the 14 environmental factors in their spatio-temporal impacts on the development of the fresh agricultural product supply chain. The results indicate that: (1) the environmental influencing factors in this paper have significant endogenous problems and various environmental factors impact on the fresh agricultural product supply chain in different trends and to different degrees. (2) With different bandwidths, the environmental factors could impact the fresh agricultural product supply chain to greatly varied degrees, demonstrating a strong attribute of regional correlation.
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19
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Life Cycle Assessment of Spinach Produced in Central and Southern Italy. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131810001] [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
Environmental sustainability continues to attract global interest, especially due to the issue of climate change. The agri-food sector is considered a major contributor to climate change as processes and activities within the sector can negatively impact the environment. The recent changing dietary pattern towards increased vegetable consumption implies a consequent increase in production to meet demand. This study assessed the environmental performance of 1 kg of spinach/FU (Functional Unit) cultivated by different producers in Italy under integrated and organic farming systems. The life cycle assessment was used following the CML_IA impact assessment method. The data used was mainly primary, related to 2019/2020 (harvest period), and representative of the cultivation systems of central and southern Italy. From the results obtained, impact scores for central Italy were higher (e.g., for global warming 0.56 and 0.47 kg CO2 eq. for central and southern respectively). There was high variability among the scores obtained. However, no statistically significant differences were observed at a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05). Integrated farming was also more impacting than organic for most categories (e.g., for global warming 0.20 kg CO2 eq. for integrated and 0.075 kg CO2 eq. for organic) in Cerignola, Puglia region. Emissions from fertilizer, pesticide, tillage, and combine harvesting were major contributors to impact shares. The results of this study will be helpful to ensure sustainable spinach production and consumption.
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20
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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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21
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Parajuli R, Matlock MD, Thoma G. Cradle to grave environmental impact evaluation of the consumption of potato and tomato products. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143662. [PMID: 33234271 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
This study discusses the environmental life cycle impacts of potato and tomato supply chains in a "cradle-to-grave" perspective. The principal focus is to evaluate the processed products, while fresh products are also briefly discussed. Processed products included are potato-chips, frozen fries and dehydrated flakes, and tomato-pasta sauce. The functional unit (FU) is 1 kg product(s), eaten at the consumer stage. Life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling has utilized multiple mechanistic crop models to estimate the crop yields, crop nutrient uptakes and irrigation water requirements. The farming systems represent the primary crop reporting districts where the selected crops are produced on a commercial scale in the United States. The post-harvest system was constructed utilizing the data collected from a processing plant and from other available studies. LCA modeling also constituted handling of co-products (e.g. starch in potatoes) and biowaste. A wide range of environmental impact categories were selected for the evaluation, which showed environmental differences between fresh and processed products. For instance, global warming potential for potato-fresh, chips, fries and dehydrated was 0.97, 0.85, 1.21 and 0.65 kg CO2-eq/FU respectively. For fresh tomato and tomato sauce, it was 0.74 and 1.5 kg CO2-eq/FU respectively. Likewise, fossil resource scarcity for fresh potatoes was higher than chips and dehydrated flakes, but lower than fries. Water consumption was slightly higher in fresh potatoes compared to the processed products. Similar impact patterns were found in fresh and processed tomato products. For most of the impact categories, processing and the agriculture systems were the major contributors. The contribution from the consumer stage varied with the ways the product is prepared, e.g. whether fries are oven heated or deep-fried in oil. Environmental mitigation measures include, the use of drip irrigation (for potatoes), and reducing: food miles, food waste and the use of secondary packaging materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjan Parajuli
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Marty D Matlock
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Greg Thoma
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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22
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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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23
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Aldaco R, Hoehn D, Laso J, Margallo M, Ruiz-Salmón J, Cristobal J, Kahhat R, Villanueva-Rey P, Bala A, Batlle-Bayer L, Fullana-I-Palmer P, Irabien A, Vazquez-Rowe I. Food waste management during the COVID-19 outbreak: a holistic climate, economic and nutritional approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 742:140524. [PMID: 32619842 PMCID: PMC7319639 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Improving the food supply chain efficiency has been identified as an essential means to enhance food security, while reducing pressure on natural resources. Adequate food loss and waste (FLW) management has been proposed as an approach to meet these objectives. The main hypothesis of this study is to consider that the "strong fluctuations and short-term changes" on eating habits may have major consequences on potential FLW generation and management, as well as on GHG emissions, all taking into account the nutritional and the economic cost. Due to the exceptional lockdown measures imposed by the Spanish government, as a consequence of the emerging coronavirus disease, COVID-19, food production and consumption systems have undergone significant changes, which must be properly studied in order to propose strategies from the lessons learned. Taking Spain as a case study, the methodological approach included a deep analysis of the inputs and outputs of the Spanish food basket, the supply chain by means of a Material Flow Analysis, as well as an economic and comprehensive nutritional assessment, all under a life cycle thinking approach. The results reveal that during the first weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, there was no significant adjustment in overall FLW generation, but a partial reallocation from extra-domestic consumption to households occurred (12% increase in household FLW). Moreover, the economic impact (+11%), GHG emissions (+10%), and the nutritional content (-8%) complete the multivariable impact profile that the COVID-19 outbreak had on FLW generation and management. Accordingly, this study once again highlights that measures aimed at reducing FLW, particularly in the household sector, are critical to make better use of food surpluses and FLW prevention and control, allowing us to confront future unforeseen scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Aldaco
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain.
| | - D Hoehn
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - J Laso
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - M Margallo
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - J Ruiz-Salmón
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - J Cristobal
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - R Kahhat
- Peruvian LCA Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
| | - P Villanueva-Rey
- EnergyLab, Fonte das Abelleiras s/n, Campus Universidad de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Galicia, Spain
| | - A Bala
- UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change, Escola Superior de Comerç International (ESCI-UPF), Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Batlle-Bayer
- UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change, Escola Superior de Comerç International (ESCI-UPF), Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - P Fullana-I-Palmer
- UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change, Escola Superior de Comerç International (ESCI-UPF), Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Irabien
- University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - I Vazquez-Rowe
- Peruvian LCA Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru
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Development of a Danish Adapted Healthy Plant-Based Diet Based on the EAT-Lancet Reference Diet. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12030738. [PMID: 32168838 PMCID: PMC7146415 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets have been linked to both health benefits and a lower climate impact. However, plant-based diets may represent both healthy and unhealthy dietary practices. The present study aimed to develop a nationally adapted healthy plant-based diet based on the global EAT-Lancet reference diet. Development took place in a series of steps. First, the original EAT-Lancet reference diet was evaluated based on food availability, i.e., using Danish food data (Model 1). Then, the model was further modified to reflect national food based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and characteristics of current consumption pattern, e.g., by including processed food, discretionary foods and beverages in the diet (Model 2). The contents of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, except for vitamin D and iodine, were found to be sufficient for Model 2, according to the recommended nutrient density to be used for planning diets for groups of individuals aged 6–65 years. In addition, the study gave an insight into the nutrients and foods to be aware of in planning a predominantly plant-based diet, thereby providing directions for future revisions of sustainable FBDGs. These include a stronger emphasis on the intake of legumes, nuts and seeds, fruit and vegetables including dark green vegetables, whole-grain products and vegetable oils as well as lowering meat intake.
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