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About

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        Climate change is now a scientifically established fact. The longevity of humankind is at peril, and we are beginning to see the need to move away from practices that contribute to environmental degradation, and move toward more sustainable practices. But individuals in the United States–the nation with the largest environmental impact and ecological footprint–are doing little to change. Why aren’t people changing their ways, and how can we get them to?
        We see this problem as twofold: a lack of awareness of the problem, and a lack of the ability to change the problem. Many people are not even aware of global climate change, and more importantly they lack awareness of how they personally affect it. This is becoming less of a problem as people hear and read about environmental issues more and more. But those who do see the impact they have on the planet may not know how to reduce that impact.
        The solution is to engage people with meaningful information that allows them to make a responsible decision. FoodPrint does just this, giving the consumer information about the carbon footprint of food products.

Our Method
        In order to determine the “carbon footprint” of foods, we measure the greenhouse gas emissions during the entire life cycle of products. The life cycle extends from “cradle to grave”, which includes everything from the seed germinating until the food is on your plate. We evaluate all of the energy and resources that are used to produce the food, as well as the waste and environmental pollution that are generated. In particular, we monitor the greenhouse gases generated during a food’s life cycle. Arming the consumer with this information, they can compare the carbon footprint of different foods, and make a decision that is good for the planet.
        To learn more about the wasteful practices of consumerism, please check out this insightful cartoon, called The Story of Stuff.