CO₂ is a crucial metric, but it doesn’t define food sustainability on its own. Foods with similar carbon footprints can have very different impacts on water use and land use. Here’s why looking beyond CO₂ leads to better food decisions.

Buying local feels like the greenest choice, but distance is only a small part of food’s footprint. Transport makes up less than 10% of emissions — production is where most impact happens. Choosing beans instead of beef saves up to 50× more CO₂ than buying local. Local helps, but what you eat matters more than where it’s from.

Greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane are heating up our planet—fast. In 2025, food and farming remain major drivers of emissions. From livestock feed to food waste, every choice on our plates matters. Here’s what greenhouse gases are, how they impact your menu, and what steps businesses can take today to cut their footprint.