What You Eat Matters for the Climate

Food production accounts for roughly 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The good news is that some of the most delicious, nutritious, and affordable foods also happen to have the smallest carbon footprint. Low Carbon Food helps you understand the climate impact of what you eat and make choices that are good for you and the planet.

Carbon Footprint by Food Type

High-Impact Swaps

Making a few strategic substitutions can dramatically reduce your dietary carbon footprint without sacrificing nutrition or enjoyment:

Swap Beef for Beans

Replacing one beef dinner per week with a bean-based meal saves approximately 340 kg of CO₂ equivalent per year — roughly the same as driving 850 miles less.

Choose Chicken Over Lamb

When you want meat, chicken and pork generate a fraction of the emissions of beef and lamb. Pasture-raised chicken from a local farm is both lower-carbon and higher-quality.

Embrace Seasonal Produce

Out-of-season produce flown by air freight generates 50 times the emissions of seasonal, locally grown alternatives. Eat strawberries in June, apples in October, and root vegetables in winter.

Reduce Food Waste

The food that goes uneaten generates 8-10% of global emissions. Plan meals, store food properly, and compost what you cannot eat.

Low Carbon Recipes

Weeknight Lentil Curry

Red lentils simmered in coconut milk with ginger, turmeric, and cumin. Serve over rice or with naan. One of the most satisfying meals you can make, and one of the lowest-carbon.

Roasted Chickpea Bowl

Crispy roasted chickpeas over grain with tahini dressing, pickled onion, and seasonal vegetables. Endlessly customizable and filling.

Mushroom Bolognese

Finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts create a rich, meaty sauce that even committed carnivores enjoy. Serve over pasta with Parmesan.

Seasonal Vegetable Frittata

Eggs, whatever vegetables are in season, and a handful of cheese, baked in a cast-iron skillet. A low-carbon dinner that uses what you already have.

Shopping for Low Carbon Food

• Buy local when possible — Local food travels fewer miles, supports regional agriculture, and is often fresher
• Choose plant-forward — Build meals around grains, legumes, and vegetables, with meat as a supporting player
• Read labels — Some brands now include carbon footprint information on packaging
• Reduce packaging — Bulk bins, reusable bags, and farmers markets minimize packaging waste

Why Your Diet Matters

• Food is personal — Diet changes are something every individual can control starting today
• The math is significant — Shifting from a high-meat to a plant-rich diet can cut your food-related emissions by 50 to 70 percent
• Health benefits align — Low-carbon diets rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains also reduce heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risk
• No sacrifice required — You do not have to go vegan; even modest shifts make a meaningful difference

Eat well. Emit less. It is that simple.