How can you use LCA to promote sustainable food systems?

1 What is a sustainable food system?

A sustainable food system is one that provides nutritious and accessible food for current and future generations, while minimizing its negative effects on the environment, society, and economy. A sustainable food system considers not only the production and consumption of food, but also the processing, distribution, storage, waste management, and governance aspects. A sustainable food system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water use, land use, energy use, and pollution, while enhancing biodiversity, food security, social justice, and human health.

2 How does LCA work?

LCA is a systematic and scientific approach that follows four main steps: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. In the first step, you define the purpose, boundaries, and functional unit of your study. For example, you might want to compare the environmental impact of one kilogram of beef versus one kilogram of tofu. In the second step, you collect data on the inputs and outputs of each stage of the life cycle of your product or service. For example, you might need data on the amount of feed, water, land, energy, and emissions involved in raising cattle or soybeans. In the third step, you translate the inventory data into environmental indicators, such as carbon footprint, water footprint, or land use. For example, you might use a tool like SimaPro or OpenLCA to calculate the impact categories and indicators for your study. In the fourth step, you analyze the results and draw conclusions based on your goal and scope. For example, you might find that tofu has a lower environmental impact than beef in most categories, but also identify some limitations and uncertainties in your study.

3 How can you use LCA to promote sustainable food systems?

LCA can help you use evidence-based information to make informed and responsible food choices. LCA can help you compare different food products, diets, or scenarios, and identify the hotspots and trade-offs of each option. For example, you might discover that organic food has lower pesticide use, but higher land use than conventional food, or that plant-based diets have lower greenhouse gas emissions, but higher water use than animal-based diets. LCA can also help you communicate and educate others about the environmental impact of food systems. LCA can help you create labels, reports, or campaigns that inform consumers, producers, policymakers, or stakeholders about the environmental performance of food products or services. For example, you might use LCA to develop a certification scheme, a policy recommendation, or a social media campaign that promotes sustainable food systems.

5 How can you learn more about LCA?

If you want to learn more about LCA and how to apply it to food systems, there are many resources and opportunities available. You can access online courses, books, journals, websites, or blogs that cover the basics and the advances of LCA. You can also join networks, communities, or events that connect you with other LCA practitioners, researchers, or enthusiasts. You can also use software, databases, or tools that help you conduct or access LCA studies. You can also participate in projects, initiatives, or collaborations that involve LCA and food systems. You can also seek guidance, support, or feedback from experts, mentors, or peers who have experience or interest in LCA and food systems.