The eco-sustainable format PIÚINFORMA® has always been committed to supporting the importance of environmental sustainability and in particular that linked to food and drink that we consume every day.
A clear tool to support both public and private companies that want to reduce their environmental footprint by intervening in one of the most impactful sectors in the world: the agri-food sector.
In stark contrast to the mere promises of achieving sustainability goals, PIÚINFORMA® is the concrete solution for those who do not stop at promises alone, but who act in a concrete way to reduce the environmental footprint.
But why intervene on food? yes acting on food
The agro-food sector is today one of the most impacting industrial sectors on the environment (but not only) in the world. To get an overview of the importance it holds, just think that as many as 14 out of 17 sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda are related to food and nutrition.
In fact, we are talking about a sector whose annual turnover in the world is about 8 billion dollars, destined to grow with the increase in population and incessant demand.8 billion dollars today correspond to 10% of global turnover, a number that although it may not seem disproportionate, for a few billion almost exceeds the turnover of telecommunications, cars, gas and oil, combined.
But how do these numbers translate in terms of impact on the environment?
The environmental impact of food, good of the environment
According to a recent study conducted by FAO, the agri-food sector, with all that this entails, would be able to generate about 34% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Just think of the vastness of fields and farms, the deforestation and the numerous transports that every day guarantee us food products that come from tens of thousands of kilometers away.
A system, the food system that has now exceeded common sense, if we think that for example about 30% of the food that is produced is then wasted.
Know to reduce
What makes species is that much of what is written in this article, is totally distant from the common information. In schools, food education has not arrived, while advertisements bombard us with false claims like green washing.
But what are the impacts that food has on the environment but that few people know?
The environmental impact of food (form the observatory in PIU’INFORMA Association)
- Air pollution; agri-food production emits 6 billion tons of co2eq/year in the world, equal to 26% of global emissions. this percentage is exceeded only by emissions from the energy sector.
- Occupation and degradation of soil; agriculture and livestock occupy 50% of the earth’s livable soil, thus seriously threatening biodiversity and the quality of the soil itself.
- Consumption and pollution of water resources; the agri-food sector is the largest consumer of water in the world; it uses 70% of the total water used in the world. we are talking about 6000-8500 cubic kilometers of water per year. without taking into account the polluted and eutrophied water resources caused by the leaching of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Plastic pollution; in europe, the amount of plastic used for food and beverages is equivalent to 8 million tons/year, about 20% of the total european demand, 95% of this is single-use. this amount of plastic generates tons of co2 every year and recurs in the form of microplastics in the environment.
The problem of food of animal origin
It is now recognised that the supply chain linked to animal products (i.e. meat, eggs and dairy products) is one of the main reasons behind these undesirable effects. Meat and dairy production uses 83% of agricultural land and produces 60% of the greenhouse gas emissions of the entire agricultural sector.
In particular, meat production is responsible for 30% of global methane (CH4) emissions. To these are added some indirect sources of emissions, such as the destruction of forests and woodlands; to create spaces dedicated to pastures and monocultures intended to feed animals.
It is therefore essential to review our eating habits. A change that is possible thanks to the PIÚINFORMA® format, for the sake of our health and that of our planet.
To support our activities and always be updated, give your contribution to the PIU’INFORMA Social Promotion Association!
