Reducing our ecological footprint on our plates(4/4)

July 14, 2022 • Impact écolo

The last 3 articles on food and ecological footprint lead us to this one! There are different modes of production: soil-less (e.g. greenhouses and hydroponics), organic, non-organic and integrated, all of which have different impacts on the environment. That's what we'll be looking at in this article on reducing the ecological footprint of our food.

What types of food production are there?

The dominant model of agriculture has been defined by public policy, farmers practices and consumer behavior. It is based on :

Production of large quantities of cereals (wheat, barley and corn), milk and meat;
The use of fertilizers and insecticides;
The use of phytosanitary products (pesticides, fertilizers);
farm concentration.

We're generally talking about monocultures here, and these have a huge impact on the environment: deforestation, overexploitation of arable land, use of chemicals...

However, there are other types of food production that are much more respectful of the environment.

What is integrated agriculture?

Integrated agriculture is based on a dual approach: the use of agroecological techniques and the implementation of an integrated soil management approach.

Agroecology is a science that focuses on the relationships between living beings (plants and animals) and natural ecosystems (aquatic and aerial environments and soils), in order to assess the impact of human activities on these ecosystems.

In agriculture, agroecology enables us to better understand and control ecosystems (natural parks, meadows, forests, etc.) to promote biodiversity and ecosystem resistance to external disturbances.

Agroecology therefore aims to reduce the use of chemical products and improve soil quality.

The implementation of an Integrated Soil Management (ISM) approach aims to reduce the use of chemical inputs, encourage natural soil fertilization processes (organic fertilization, mineral fertilization, etc.) and reduce water pollution by phytosanitary products. It also aims to improve soil quality.

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is agriculture based on respect for life. It focuses on the quality of soil, water, plants and animals. Organic farming exploits natural resources while preserving the environment, conserving biodiversity and using non-polluting means of production. Crops and livestock are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones or other chemical substances.

Producing and consuming organic food has other advantages too: it reduces our exposure to pesticides and GMOs, makes our food tastier, and encourages agricultural production governed by strict rules on energy conservation and the use of chemicals and synthetic products.

Organic farming aims to produce food in a sustainable way that makes the best use of our natural resources.

organic farming

Greenhouse farming

Organic farming is agriculture based on respect for life. It focuses on the quality of soil, water, plants and animals. Organic farming exploits natural resources while preserving the environment, conserving biodiversity and using non-polluting means of production. Crops and livestock are grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth hormones or other chemical substances.

Producing and consuming organic food has other advantages too: it reduces our exposure to pesticides and GMOs, makes our food tastier, and encourages agricultural production governed by strict rules on energy conservation and the use of chemicals and synthetic products.

Organic farming aims to produce food in a sustainable way that makes the best use of our natural resources.

hydroponic agriculture

There are, however, a number of above-ground production methods (hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics, etc.) which can be major energy consumers, requiring artificial lighting, ventilation and air conditioning, for example. In some cases, these types of production can therefore emit more GHGs and consume more energy than traditional agriculture.

In the end, no practice is perfect, but every little bit helps. And everyone can take a little of what suits them from the various food practices, to help save the planet... one forkful at a time!

Ecologically yours!

eco loco