Page 4 - 2025 Spring 01 English

The impact of the
food we eat
Whether through its stages of production, transportation,
or how much is wasted between the farm and the bin, the
food we consume is currently responsible for around one
quarter of all greenhouse gasses emitted.
While this is extremely significant in terms of our impact on
the planet, it is also an area that we can easily take action to
improve. Here are some factors to consider:
How it is grown
Intensive farming has led to the destruction of wetlands,
forests, and meadows, which are home to a wide variety of
species. This is true for farming in Wales as well as further
afield where incredibly important tropical forests grow.
The use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers over time can
have a detrimental impact on the health of our soils and
ecosystems.
Regenerative and organic farming are alternative ways of
producing food that are kinder to nature,
while helping to encourage healthy soil that
retains its carbon capturing power.
Where it comes from
A recent study showed that only 6% of the
vegetables on Welsh school menus were grown
in Wales! Although it’s unrealistic that all our
food can be sourced locally, the more ‘food
miles’ we can reduce, generally the lower the
impact on our environment.
When we buy the food
Choosing food that is grown in season avoids
the demand for energy-consuming heated
greenhouses or long-distance transportation
from warmer climates. Preserving foods by
pickling, drying or making the most of your
freezer are all great ways of ensuring different
foods are available year-round. While things
like pulses and grains can be stored for months
without additional processing!
Who has grown the food
By choosing Fair Trade products (like chocolate or coffee),
we can make sure that the people who grow
and pick the foods we enjoy are paid fairly
and treated well. This in turn allows their
communities to thrive and their land to be
looked after properly. The same is true for
supporting farmers and growers in Wales; by
ensuring they are given a fair price for their
produce.