Although they defined different boundaries, banana carbon footprint studies have identified maritime transport (including refrigerants) as the main contributor to the banana supply chain carbon footprint, followed by the manufacture and use of fertilizers and the manufacture and preparation of carton boxes in packing .
Do bananas have a high carbon footprint?
480g CO2e per kilo. Bananas are a great food for anyone who cares about their carbon footprint. For just 80g of CO2e you get a whole lot of nutrition: 140 calories as well as stacks of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and dietary fibre. All in all, a fantastic component of a low-carbon diet.
Why do bananas have a low carbon footprint?
They are grown in natural sunlight, which means that no energy-intensive hot-housing is required. They keep well, so although they are often grown thousands of miles from the end consumer, they are transported by boats, which per kilo of freight transported emit only 1% as much CO2 as planes do.
How do bananas affect the environment?
Environmental Impacts of Production Major environmental problems arise from the production of bananas for export or from large-scale commercial production of bananas for local markets. These include habitat conversion, soil erosion and degradation, pollution from agrochemical use, solid waste, and water usage.
Why do some foods have a higher carbon footprint?
Farm-stage emissions include processes such as the application of fertilizers – both organic (“manure management”) and synthetic; and enteric fermentation (the production of methane in the stomachs of cattle). Combined, land use and farm-stage emissions account for more than 80% of the footprint for most foods.
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