The environmental impact of the food system is huge and as a whole it accounts for 22% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. One third of a households’ total environmental impact is also related to food and drink consumption.

Food affects the environment throughout the whole of its lifecycle from agricultural production and processing, through to distribution, retail, consumption and finally disposal. This is due to a huge variety of different factors including chemical inputs, energy and water usage and transportation.

However, there are simple things that we as consumers can do to reduce the impact that arises from the food we eat. A recent report from the European Environment Agency suggests that consuming organic food, adopting a less meat-intensive diet, and eating more local fruit and vegetables in season would relieve the pressure on the environment.

For more information about food and the environment visit the following links:

• Sustain
• Friends of the Earth
• Soil Association