Assessment of diet-related GHG emissions using the environmental hourglass approach for the Mediterranean and new Nordic diets

Maria M. Ulaszewska, Maria Malgorzata Ulaszewska, Gloria Luzzani, Sonia Pignatelli, Ettore Capri

Risultato della ricerca: Contributo in rivistaArticolo in rivista

21 Citazioni (Scopus)

Abstract

Food production and preparation affect the environment in many ways, with effects on greenhouse gases, use of land, biodiversity, etc. The impact is influenced by consumer demand and eating habits. Two different recommended dietary models were considered, the Mediterranean Diet and the New Nordic Diet, with quantitative analysis of GHG emissions through LCA. An environmental hourglass (EH) approach based on LCA was introduced to help translate health-promoting dietary recommendations that consider regional circumstances and cultural diversity into practical eating habits, to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly consumption. Using the environmental hourglass approach, we examined whether dietary choices based on nutritional recommendations can minimise certain negative effects on the food production environment. Using two examples of health-enhancing, regionally-oriented and culturally appropriate dietary patterns - the Mediterranean Diet and the New Nordic Diet - we showed that consumption of high protein foods has a similar and comparable environmental impact to fruit and vegetable consumption. The results of this work may provide a starting point for integrated policy addressing issues related to the healthy diet of the population, aware food choices and sustainable agriculture.
Lingua originaleEnglish
pagine (da-a)829-836
Numero di pagine8
RivistaScience of the Total Environment
Volume574
DOI
Stato di pubblicazionePubblicato - 2017

Keywords

  • Agriculture
  • Diet
  • Diet, Mediterranean
  • Dietary guidelines
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental hourglass
  • Environmental impact
  • Food
  • Food Supply
  • GHG emissions
  • Greenhouse Gases
  • Humans
  • Meat
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Pollution
  • Protein
  • Waste Management and Disposal

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