Overview
This discussion assignment is a 3-part requirement. All parts must be completed to receive full credit.
Part 1: Analysis: Create your Carbon Footprint Report
- Visit the "Footprint Calculator" website: https://www.footprintcalculator.org/Links to an external site.
- Complete the “Food Carbon Print quiz: https://8billiontrees.com/carbon-offsets-credits/carbon-ecological-footprint-calculators/food/Links to an external site.
- Create a Personal Analysis Table with the data you received back.
| Category | Current Habit | Environmental Impact | Feasible Change? | Challenges |
| Red Meat Consumption | 3–4 servings/week | High carbon footprint (~60 kg CO₂e/month) | Yes | Habitual eating, taste preference, cultural norms |
| Dairy Consumption | Daily milk and cheese | Moderate emissions (~30 kg CO₂e/month) | Yes | Finding satisfying alternatives, cost of plant-based milk |
| Food Waste | ~1–2 spoiled items/week | Contributes methane in landfills | Yes | Meal planning, fridge management |
| Packaging/Processed Foods | Frequently buys packaged snacks | Plastic waste and energy-intensive production | Somewhat | Convenience, availability of bulk options |
| Local/Seasonal Food Purchases | Rarely considers food origin | Increased transport emissions | Yes | Learning seasonal options, shopping at farmers' markets |
Part 2: Solutions: Answer the following questions based on the results obtained and documented above.
- Reflect on your dietary habits and their environmental impact. Were you surprised by your "Diet Footprint" result?
- Do you think making the changes you identified in Part 2 is feasible in your current lifestyle? Explain your reasoning.
- What are some additional challenges you might face in implementing these changes?
Part 3: Discussion: Complete your discussion by answering one of the following questions and responding to two classmates' posts.
- What are the biggest environmental impacts of food production and distribution globally?
- What are some potential solutions to these problems at the individual, community, and societal levels?
- Do you think it's possible to achieve a truly sustainable food system? Why or why not?