[enviro-vlc] Weight Watchers meets Global Warming? Low Carbon Food Calculator

[Vern Weitzel]

http://www.enn.com/press_releases/2455

From: Bon Appetit Management Company
Published April 22, 2008 12:02 PM
Weight Watchers meets Global Warming? Low Carbon Food Calculator from Bon 
Appetit Management Company: www.EatLowCarbon.org

Palo Alto, CA Palo Alto, Calif. April 21, 2008 — With food responsible for 1/3 
of global greenhouse gas emissions, food service maverick Bon Appetit Management 
Company has introduced the Low Carbon Diet Calculator

(http://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.

ADVERTISEMENT

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 Appetit. 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:

- Hamburger = 1,597 points. Cheese adds 258 more points.
- Tuna flown from afar = 1,175 points
- Hothouse vegetables = 752 points

Low Carbon Diet Resources:

- Low Carbon Diet Calculator:	http://www.EatLowCarbon.org
- Mobile phone users: text “LCD” followed by the name of a food item to 69866
- Pocket guide — download at: http://www.circleofresponsibility.com

Bon Appetit Management Company (http://www.bamco.com) is an onsite restaurant 
company offering full food service management to corporations, universities and 
specialty venues. Bon Appetit is committed to sourcing sustainable, local foods 
for all cafés throughout the country. A pioneer in environmentally sound 
sourcing policies, Bon Appetit 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 Appetit has more than 400 cafes in 28 states, including Oracle 
Corporation, American University and the Getty Center.

Contact Info: Haven Bourque,
(415) 777-1170 x 303,
Haven at StrausCom.com

Website : http://www.EatLowCarbon.org