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  1. Home
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  3. /Food & Diet Calculators
  4. /Food Miles Calculator

Food Miles Calculator

Calculator

Results

Transport Emissions

0.09

kg CO2e

Emissions per kg of Food

0.093

kg CO2e/kg

Freight Activity

1.5

tonne-km

Results

Transport Emissions

0.09

kg CO2e

Emissions per kg of Food

0.093

kg CO2e/kg

Freight Activity

1.5

tonne-km

Food miles measure the distance food travels from farm to plate. While transport typically accounts for only 5–10% of food's total carbon footprint, the mode of transport matters enormously. Air-freighted food can have transport emissions 50 times higher than ship-transported food per kg-km.

The Food Miles Calculator estimates the carbon cost of transporting food based on weight, distance, and mode. It helps consumers understand when buying local actually makes a meaningful climate difference — and when production methods matter more than distance.

Visual Analysis

How It Works

CO₂ = weight × distance × emission factor ÷ 1000. Factors (kg CO₂/ton-km): Truck: 0.062, Ship: 0.008, Air: 0.602, Rail: 0.022. Air freight produces ~75× more CO₂ than shipping for the same distance.

Understanding Your Results

For most foods, production emissions dominate over transport. However, air-freighted foods (asparagus from Peru, berries out of season) can have transport as the largest single contributor. Prioritize seasonal, non-air-freighted foods for maximum impact.

Worked Examples

1 kg Air-Freighted Berries

Inputs

weight1
distance8000
transportair

Results

transport co24.82
co2 per kg4.82

Premium berries from distant farm.

1 kg Ship-Transported Bananas

Inputs

weight1
distance8000
transportship

Results

transport co20.06
co2 per kg0.06

Negligible ship transport impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Food Miles is a quantitative measure used in environmental science and ecology. It represents key metrics that help researchers, policymakers, and individuals understand environmental impacts. The specific definition and measurement methodology are established by international scientific organizations and regulatory bodies.

Does buying local reduce emissions involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

Which transport mode is worst for food involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

Are air-freighted foods bad involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

How much of food's footprint is transport involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

What foods are air-freighted involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

Is local food always better involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

How do food miles compare to production emissions involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

Food Miles is a quantitative measure used in environmental science and ecology. It represents key metrics that help researchers, policymakers, and individuals understand environmental impacts. The specific definition and measurement methodology are established by international scientific organizations and regulatory bodies.

Should I avoid imported food involves analyzing relevant parameters using established scientific methodologies. Our calculator applies peer-reviewed formulas and standard emission factors to provide accurate results. The specific approach varies by parameter but follows guidelines from organizations such as the EPA, IPCC, and relevant scientific bodies.

Sources & Methodology

Weber & Matthews — Environmental Science & Technology (2008); Garnett — Food Policy (2011)
R

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