April is a month known for many things… April showers, budding plants and trees, the return of Spring, Arbor Day, and Earth Day.

Knowing one’s carbon footprint is definitely an important step in reducing the negative ecological impacts we have on our one (and only) planet.  Driving hybrids, going solar, washing clothes in cold water, and the 3 R’s are all fantastic examples of “going green” but one commonly overlooked area is your diet.

First, start by buying from local farmers whenever possible.  Reducing the number of miles your food has to travel to get to your table (the average is 1,500 miles) is one of the easiest methods of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions – not to mention better support for the local economy.  Food transportation accounts for about 11 percent of food’s total carbon output.  The production of food, on the other hand, accounts for a huge 83 percent and should not be overlooked.  Before the food is shipped, vast amounts of fossil fuel to grow and process are required such as fertilizers, pesticides, farm machinery, processing and packaging.

Food is often overlooked as a greenhouse-gas emission contributor.  Switching from a diet that is high in animal products (particularly beef) to a diet consisting of primarily organic vegetables, grain and poultry is similar to replacing a gas-guzzling SUV with a hybrid vehicle.

All foods require energy to be produced, some require more than others.  On average, Americans eat more than 200 pounds of meat per person each year, 66 pounds of it beef.  Consider that to produce a single cheeseburger, 10.7 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO­₂) are released into the atmosphere.  It takes 32 pounds of feed to produce 4 pounds of beef.  A typical family of four that cuts out burgers once a week can save the planet 2,225 pounds of carbon emissions a year!

Plant-based foods that are unrefined and locally grown require much less energy to produce.  A veggie stir-fry consisting of carrots, broccoli, and peppers contribute only 1.5 pounds of CO₂ emissions.

Going organic is the best choice for personal and global health.  Whenever possible, it is best to buy seasonal organic produce grown locally.