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Carbon Footprint of a Meal Calculator

Estimate the greenhouse gas emissions of your meal by selecting ingredients and their quantities. This calculator provides an approximation based on typical emission factors.

Ingredient 1 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Ingredient 2 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Ingredient 3 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Ingredient 4 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Ingredient 5 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Ingredient 6 Type*
e.g., 150 for a typical serving
Meal Preparation*

Calculation Results

Emission Factors Used (g CO2e per gram):

  • Beef: 27.0
  • Lamb: 39.2
  • Pork: 12.1
  • Chicken: 6.9
  • Fish (farmed): 5.1
  • Dairy Milk: 1.9
  • Cheese: 13.5
  • Eggs: 4.8
  • Rice: 2.7
  • Wheat: 1.6
  • Potatoes: 0.3
  • Vegetables: 0.5
  • Legumes: 0.8
  • Nuts: 2.3
  • Palm Oil: 7.6
  • Other: 0.5

Intermediate Calculations:

Ingredient 1 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Ingredient 2 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Ingredient 3 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Ingredient 4 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Ingredient 5 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Ingredient 6 Emissions (g CO2e):

0

Total Meal Emissions (grams CO2e):

0

Total Meal Emissions (kg CO2e, pre-multiplier):

0

Commercial Prep Multiplier:

0

Final Results

Total Meal Emissions:

0 kg CO2e

Per-Serving Emissions:

0 kg CO2e

This calculation provides an estimate. Actual emissions may vary based on specific farming practices, transportation, and cooking methods.

How to calculate Carbon Footprint of a Meal?

The carbon footprint of a meal is calculated by summing the emissions from each ingredient, based on its mass and a specific emission factor, then adjusting for serving size.

The general formula used is: Total_g = sum(mass_g_i × factor_g_i); Final_Total_kg = (Total_g / 1000) × multiplier

Using the Carbon Footprint of a Meal calculator: an example

Consider a meal for two servings with 150g chicken, 50g rice, and 30g vegetables per serving.

Step-by-step calculation:

  1. Determine total ingredient mass for all servings: Chicken (0.3 kg), Rice (0.1 kg), Vegetables (0.06 kg).
  2. Multiply each by its emission factor (e.g., Chicken: 0.3 kg * 6.9 kg CO2e/kg = 2.07 kg CO2e; Rice: 0.1 kg * 2.7 kg CO2e/kg = 0.27 kg CO2e; Vegetables: 0.06 kg * 0.5 kg CO2e/kg = 0.03 kg CO2e).
  3. Sum individual emissions: 2.07 + 0.27 + 0.03 = 2.37 kg CO2e for the entire meal.

This calculation provides an estimate of the meal's environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do different foods have different carbon footprints?

Emissions vary based on production methods, land use, transportation, and processing required for each food item.

Are these calculations exact?

No, these are estimates. Actual footprints can vary due to regional differences, farming practices, and supply chain specifics.

How can I reduce my meal's carbon footprint?

Consider consuming less meat, choosing seasonal and local produce, and minimizing food waste.



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