What are Food Miles? And What Is Their Environmental Impact?

Food miles are the distance that food travels from the farm or production facility to your plate. This distance can vary widely depending on the type of food and its origin. 

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The term "food miles" was coined in the early 1990s by Dr. Tim Lang, a professor of Food Policy at the City, University of London, as a response to concerns about the environmental impact of global food supply chains. Since then, it has become a key concept in discussions about sustainable agriculture and the need for more efficient, locally sourced food systems to reduce the ecological footprint of the global food industry.

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While transporting food over long distances racks up greenhouse gas emissions, the majority of emissions come from food production. In fact, 83% of the emissions happen in production before food miles even begin. So why do food miles matter and how should they affect what foods you buy?

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Why Do Food Miles Matter?

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Eating local produce only slightly reduces the transit emissions of your food, but there are other environmental benefits, like supporting your local economy and ecosystems while using less packaging. 

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Environmental Impact 

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The transportation of food over long distances often involves the use of fossil fuels, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. High food miles can increase the carbon footprint of a product.

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But most foods’ food miles aren’t a huge proportion of their overall footprint. For example, bananas are the most commonly eaten fruit in the U.S., yet most are imported from Central and South America. Even then, bananas' production emissions are about equal to their transit emissions. 

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While food miles are only 11% of household food emissions on average, some foods have disproportionately high travel emissions. For example, imported, highly perishable produce is more likely to be shipped via air freight, causing about 47x more emissions than ocean freight. Imported asparagus, berries, and green beans often fall into this category.

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Nutrition and Freshness 

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Did you know that fruits and vegetables start losing moisture and nutrients when they’re picked? And with that moisture and those nutrients go flavor. 

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One study found that vegetables lost 15-55% of their vitamin C when refrigerated for a week. Produce at a grocery store may be stored for weeks or months before it’s eaten.

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Locally grown fruits and vegetables spend less time in transit and storage, giving you more nutrition and flavor for your dollar.

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Impact on Local Economy and Biodiversity 

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Supporting local food producers can bolster the local economy, creating jobs and promoting sustainable agriculture. While high food miles may lead to economic disparities in the global food market.

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In addition to supporting local farmers financially, your dollars are supporting a thriving hub of biodiversity on their farms which can boost the ecosystem of your community.

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Reducing Food Miles

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Reducing food miles is a key goal for those concerned about sustainability and the environment. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

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• Buy Locally: Choose products that are locally grown or produced to support nearby farmers and reduce transportation distances.
• Eat Seasonally: Enjoy foods that are in season in your region, as they are more likely to be locally sourced.
• Reduce Food Waste: Minimize food waste by planning meals and using leftovers to reduce the need for additional food production and transportation.
• Support Sustainable Agriculture: Choose products from producers who prioritize sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

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Food miles provide insight into the environmental and economic impacts of the global food supply chain. While not the sole determinant of a product's sustainability, understanding food miles can help consumers make more informed choices about the food they buy and support efforts to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food production and transportation. By making conscious decisions about the origin of our food, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.