There are many ways that food impacts our carbon emissions, from what we eat, to where it comes from, to what we throw out.

Just starting out?

Eating less meat

In the UK we consume almost double the global average of meat products per person! This comes with a significant environmental impact, as livestock is one of the main contributors to climate change. According to the United Nations, almost a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture and other related land use.

Meat Free Mondays, Veganuary or deciding to avoid meat at weekends are some ways you can begin to reduce your meat consumption. Visit the below websites to find out more.

Ready for the next level?

Homegrown food

Growing your own food brings many benefits, not only are you in control of the planting and harvesting, meaning you know exactly where it came from and what went into it, but it’s also more nutritious and fresher.

You don’t need a large garden to grow your own food, containers are a great option for growing in limited space.

Visit the RHS website for tips and advice on growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs.

Seasonal food

More often than not, eating food that is seasonal will reduce your carbon impact.

Eating seasonal food means eating food that’s naturally ready for harvest in your local area at the time, instead of eating imported foods from different climates around the world. Eating locally means eating food that has been grown in the UK, and local to you.

It’s important to eat seasonally and locally when you can because the food imported from overseas has increased food miles and makes a significant contribution to climate change. Food miles is the distance that it has travelled from the place it was produced to where it is being consumed.

Take a look at the BBC’s seasonal calendar to see what’s in season year-round here.

Food waste

Did you know that Norfolk and Suffolk households waste on average up to £730 of edible food per year?

The Food Savvy campaign, a food waste reduction project led by Suffolk Waste Partnership and Norfolk County Council is helping households save money and reduce food waste. Visit the website for useful tips on how to reduce your food waste.