WEEK TWO - FOCUS ON FOOD

At harvest time, Christians often remember with thanks those who labour to produce the food on which we depend. But we often don’t go on to think about the way in which the food we eat impacts on the lives of humans, animals, and the earth.

Food production, packaging, and transportation consumes energy and results in carbon emissions which threaten to raise the average global surface temperature. It has been suggested that our food is responsible for 20% of the UK’s entire carbon footprint. If you’re buying food which has been exported, look for sustainable forms of export agriculture which contribute to the economic and social development of producers. Fairtrade, for example, exports products around the world. But they require their producers to make environmental protection part of farm management.

This week our challenge is to reduce our carbon footprint by:

o Eating less meat and dairy. Go vegetarian or buy responsibly sourced meat & fish from sustainable stock. Try non-dairy milk, yogurt or cheese.

o Shop Ethically. Buy at least one Fairtrade item with your groceries this week. Don’t forget to look out for fairly traded Easter eggs.

o Eat Local and Native Foods. Try to give air freighted products a miss in your shopping this week. Notice which fruit and veg is in season and look at where it has been grown