Food Miles Calculator

Calculate the environmental impact of your food’s journey from farm to table. This calculator helps you understand the carbon footprint of food transportation and the benefits of choosing locally sourced foods.

Understanding Food Miles

Food miles represent the distance food travels from where it’s grown to where it’s consumed. The concept helps us understand the environmental impact of our food choices and the benefits of eating locally.

Key factors affecting food miles impact:

1. Transportation distance
2. Mode of transport
3. Food weight
4. Storage requirements
5. Seasonal availability

How to Use This Calculator

1. Select the food type
2. Enter the quantity
3. Choose transportation method
4. Specify the distance traveled
5. View the environmental impact

The calculator will show you:

• Total food miles
• Carbon emissions from transport
• Local alternatives
• Seasonal recommendations
• Environmental impact comparison

Formula

The carbon footprint is calculated using:

$\text{Carbon Footprint} = \text{Distance} \times \text{Weight} \times \text{Transport Emission Factor}$

Where transport emission factors vary by mode:

• Truck: 62g CO₂/tonne-km
• Ship: 10g CO₂/tonne-km
• Air: 602g CO₂/tonne-km
• Rail: 22g CO₂/tonne-km

Benefits of Local Food

Choosing local food offers several advantages:

• Reduced carbon emissions
• Fresher produce
• Support for local farmers
• Better food security
• Seasonal eating
• Community connection

Seasonal Eating Tips

To reduce food miles:

1. Choose seasonal produce
2. Shop at farmers’ markets
3. Join community gardens
4. Start home gardening
5. Preserve seasonal foods

References

1. Environmental Protection Agency - Food Transportation Emissions
2. DEFRA - Food Miles Research
3. Food and Agriculture Organization - Food Transportation
4. World Wildlife Fund - Food Miles Impact