PALO ALTO, CA – April 21, 2008 ““ With food responsible for 1/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions, food service maverick Bon Appétit Management Company has introduced the Low Carbon Diet Calculator (www.EatLowCarbon.org), an easy web-based calculator to help citizens reduce the global warming impact of their food.
This is the world’s first food carbon calculator that gives an accurate account of high versus low carbon food choices.
New Low Carbon Diet Calculator from Bon Appetit Management Company
A ‘high carbon’ diet equals 4,500 points per day, according to extensive research on how food is grown, processed, transported, prepared and packaged. The calculator utilizes a point system, in which one point equals one gram of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions of greenhouse gases.
Americans’ annual food consumption accounts for up to 4 tons of carbon emissions per person, according to government research on food consumption and analysis conducted by Bon Appétit. Overall, food-and all the energy it takes to grow, process, transport and prepare it-is responsible for 1/3 of all global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Pew Center.
The Low Carbon Diet calculator tallies the emissions of favorite foods from lasagna to burritos, fresh and prepared foods, simple and exotic meals. Common high-carbon foods in the American diet include:
Low Carbon Diet Resources:
Bon Appétit Management Company (www.bamco.com) is an onsite restaurant company offering full food service management to corporations, universities and specialty venues. Bon Appétit is committed to sourcing sustainable, local foods for all cafés throughout the country. A pioneer in environmentally sound sourcing policies, Bon Appétit has developed programs with Environmental Defense, the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, the Humane Society of the United States, and other leading conservation organizations. Based in Palo Alto, CA, Bon Appétit has more than 400 cafes in 28 states, including Oracle Corporation, American University and the Getty Center.
