๐ Topic Summary
Food miles refer to the distance food travels from where it is produced to where it is consumed. The higher the food miles, the greater the environmental impact, primarily due to increased carbon emissions from transportation. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, focuses on farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. It aims to minimize environmental damage, conserve resources, and ensure the long-term productivity of agricultural land.
๐ฅ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with its correct definition:
- Term: Food Miles
- Term: Sustainable Agriculture
- Term: Carbon Footprint
- Term: Local Food System
- Term: Monoculture
- Definition: The impact of human activities on the environment, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalent.
- Definition: The distance food travels from production to consumption.
- Definition: Farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible.
- Definition: A system where food production and consumption are geographically close.
- Definition: The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
(Match the numbers to the numbers! For example, if you think 'Food Miles' matches with 'The impact of human activities...', you would write '1 - A')
๐พ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided below:
Words: organic, emissions, local, biodiversity, transportation
Reducing food miles can significantly decrease carbon _________ related to _________. Supporting _________ food systems encourages consumption of seasonal produce and reduces the need for long-distance _________. Furthermore, sustainable practices such as _________ farming can enhance soil health and promote _________.
๐ฑ Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are planning a school lunch menu. How would you balance the cost of food with the goal of reducing food miles and supporting sustainable agriculture? Explain your reasoning.