Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased at a steady rate due to human activity since the Industrial Revolution, causing air-quality problems and a greenhouse effect on the Earth. Carbon dioxide is an important substance on Earth, but an over-abundance can lead to problems. Carbon dioxide gas buildup creates an atmospheric barrier that causes energy and heat to get into the Earth's atmosphere, but it also traps heat that is generated so that it is stuck in the environment, leading to global warming. Many efforts have been made to lower the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Making small life changes, such as changing your eating habits, can help reduce carbon dioxide.
Eat Locally Grown Food
Most grocery stores use large trucks to import food items from around the country. Every vehicle emits carbon dioxide as a byproduct of gasoline. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline account for approximately 47 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. By buying locally grown food, you are cutting back on the amount of carbon dioxide that goes into the environment for transportation purposes. Additionally, this practice keeps local farmers in business and less likely to sell their land for construction purposes, which could lead to more carbon dioxide emissions.
Eat Meat Less Frequently
While most greenhouse gas emissions are due to human activity, some are due to animals. Cows emit methane when they breathe. This gas works with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and creates a heat barrier that has led to a greenhouse effect on Earth. A study done by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization found that cows, as a whole, create more greenhouse gasses than transportation. The rise in human population since the 1800s has led to more cows being bred for dairy and meat purposes, leading to an overall increase in greenhouse gas emissions. By eating less meat, you can reduce the speed of global warming.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
All plants and vegetables use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis -- that is, to grow, they need to take in carbon dioxide. Adding plants to the Earth, even vegetable plants and fruit trees, will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Deforestation is a major contributor to the high carbon dioxide levels, and by replacing those trees with food-bearing trees, people can lower atmospheric carbon dioxide and provide a source of food. Additionally, eating processed foods rather than fresh fruits and vegetables reduces the amount of carbon dioxide as well since processing plants emit greenhouse gasses into the environment.
Eat Fewer Frozen Foods
Like any appliance, freezers use energy to work. Energy usage is a major source of atmospheric carbon dioxide. By reducing the amount of energy needed to store food, you can lower carbon dioxide levels. Buying foods that do not need to be frozen is a step in reducing your carbon footprint.
References
- EPA: Human-related Sources and Sinks of Carbon Dioxide
- Global United FC: Go on Your Personal CO2 Diet
- Food Routes: Buy Locally Grown, It's Thousands of Miles Fresher
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Livestock a Major Threat to Environment
- Geologist: Deforestation and Carbon Emission
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