Comparative Analysis of the Carbon Footprints of Mediterranean and Standard American Diet Models

Year 2021, Volume: 1 Issue: 3, 94 - 100, 30.09.2021

Penbe Merve Korkmaz Hilal Arslan

Abstract

In this study, the carbon footprint of the Standard American Diet (SAD), has been compared to the carbon footprint of the Mediterranean Diet (MD). The energies of the diets have been calculated as 2.500 kcal/day based on this data. The distribution of macronutrients of the MD settled as, 20% for proteins, 40% for fats, and 40% for carbohydrates, one serving of wine included in the energy requirement. The distribution of the SAD consists of 40% protein, 55% fat, and 5% carbohydrates, and also 1 liter of beer is added to the energy requirement. As a result, it has been displayed that SAD (23.20 kg CO2eq/day), causes 3.25 times more carbon footprints than the MD (7.13 kg CO2eq/day). Therefore, individuals should prioritize the consumption of plant-based sources. As a result, it has been observed that the MD has fewer negative environmental outcomes compared to SAD.

Keywords

Mediterranean diet, standard American diet, carbon footprints, sustainability

Akdeniz ve Standart Amerikan Diyet Modellerinin Karbon Ayak İzlerinin Karşılaştırmalı Analizi

Abstract

In this study, the carbon footprint of the Standard American Diet (SAD) which is mainly composed of, animal products, refined, heat-treated, high-fat, and fried foods, has been compared to the carbon footprint of the Mediterranean Diet which is considered as the golden standard by the global health authorities. The Harris-Benedict formula was used and the physical activity coefficient was determined as 1.4 for a 30 years old male sample participant, who is 1.80 cm, and 75 kg, and the energies of the diets, has been calculated as 2.500 kcal/day based on this data. The distribution of macronutrients of the Mediterranean Diet settled as, 20% for proteins, 40% for fats, and 40% for carbohydrates, one serving of wine included in the energy requirement. The distribution of the Standard American Diet consists of 40% protein, 55% fat, and 5% carbohydrates, and also 1 liter of beer is added to the energy requirement. As a result, it has been displayed that Standard American Diet (23.20 kg CO2eq/day), causes 3.25 times more carbon footprints than the Mediterranean Diet (7.13 kg CO2eq/day). Therefore, it is thought that individuals should be encouraged to prioritize to increase the consumption of plant-based sources rather than animal products. It is also stated that dietary patterns rich in Animal Nutrients affect human health adversely. As a result, the Mediterranean Diet can be said to be one of the healthiest diet models in terms of rich biodiversity, socioeconomic accessibility, and sustainability, as well as being adequate, balanced, and safe.

Keywords

mediterranean diet, carbon footprint, standard American diet, sustainability

References

• Referans1 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2020. Access Link: https://www.eatright.org Access Date: 20/02/2020
• Referans2 Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2019. What We Eat in America, Access Link: https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-human-nutrition-research-center/food-surveys-research-group/docs/dmr-food-categories/
• Referans3 Clune S, Crossin E, Verghese K. 2017. Systematic review of greenhouse gas emissions for different fresh food categories. Journal of Cleaner Production. 140: 766-783.