When purchasing apples at the store, choosing options that have the smallest impact on climate change involves considering several factors:
-
Local Apples: Opt for apples that were grown locally. This reduces transportation emissions associated with shipping fruit over long distances.
-
Organic Apples: If possible, choose organic apples. While not all organic practices are perfectly sustainable, organic farming often employs practices that are more environmentally friendly than conventional methods, such as reduced pesticide use and improved soil health.
-
Seasonal Apples: Purchase apples that are in season in your region. Out-of-season apples may be imported from far away, which contributes to higher carbon emissions due to transportation.
-
Bulk and Unpackaged Apples: Buy apples that are sold in bulk or without excessive packaging. This reduces waste and the overall carbon footprint associated with packaging materials.
-
Non-GMO Apples: While the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on climate change is debated, choosing non-GMO apples contributes to a preference for more traditional agricultural practices that some consumers associate with better sustainability.
By selecting local, organic, seasonal, bulk, and unpackaged options, you can minimize your impact on climate change when purchasing apples.
1 answer