Food
From farm to fork, our food supply has a huge carbon footprint. Emissions result from deforestation and changes in land use, production of fertilisers, heating of greenhouses, transport, processing, packaging, storage…and that’s before we drive to the shops to buy food that we refrigerate, freeze or cook!
Fortunately, there are many choices we can make to reduce the impact of our diet.
Grow Your Own
Contact your Local Authority to find out about allotment sites, or get started in your own garden. Even with just a small yard or patio you’ll be amazed what you can produce; and with careful planting you can attract wildlife to your garden, supporting local biodiversity.
Visit the Permaculture Association, the Vegetarian Society or the Vegan Organic Network for advice and information on sustainable growing techniques.
Meat Reduction
Animal farming is a major source of greenhouse gases. Make an impact straight away by cutting down your consumption of meat and dairy products.
Visit the Vegetarian Society, the Vegan Society or the Meat Free Monday campaign for recipes and information on diet and nutrition.
Buy local and seasonal
If you don’t have time to grow your own food, local organic vegetable box delivery schemes offer a way of reducing food miles and packaging, whilst also supporting local jobs and wildlife. Try these companies to see what they have on offer:
Choose locally produced, seasonal foods with minimal packaging wherever possible. And, of course, take your own bags with you to the shops!
Look out for cafes, pubs and restaurants selling Hampshire Fare or New Forest marque produce.
