Food

Food contributes to carbon emissions in a number of ways.

You can visit the climate change food calculator on the BBC website to estimate the climate impact of what you eat and drink.

Production

Reducing your meat and dairy consumption, or swapping one meal a week, will have a positive impact.

Eat food which is produced in its natural season.

For some British foods throughout the year see the Vegetarian Society website.

Consuming organic produce is better for biodiversity.

The Soil Association website provides lots of information.

By buying locally produced food, when possible, helps to reduce the impact of transportation.

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Choose food with less or no packaging by:

buying loose produce or reusing fruit and vegetable bags
buying from zero-waste shops such as Greenwise shops in Ashtead and Fetcham and Eco Be in Dorking

Only buy what you need and make sure you use what you have.

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Home composting is environmentally friendly as it rots down to produce nutritious compost which you can then use on your garden.

To find out how to get started, visit the Surrey Environment Partnership website.

Growing some of your own produce is probably the most sustainable approach to food.

For guidance on growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs visit the Royal Horticultural Society website.