Food choices affect the environment in many ways. When food is grown, raised, processed, and moved,...

Food choices affect the environment in many ways. When food is grown, raised, processed, and moved, greenhouse gases are released into the air. These gases trap heat and warm the planet. Farming machines, animals, factories, and transportation all add to these gas releases.
A diet is the type of foods eaten each day. Different diets use land and water in different amounts. Diets with more plant foods often use fewer resources than diets with more animal foods. Over time, repeated food choices can increase or reduce stress on natural systems.
The environment includes land, water, air, plants, and animals. Food systems can be viewed from a global perspective or a local perspective. Global food systems connect many countries and spread environmental effects far away. Local food systems usually involve shorter travel and nearby impacts. Together, these ideas show how food choices connect to environmental change.
How can foods impact the land, water, and air in places near and far away?
Why does thinking about where food come from matter when making food choices?