Introduction
In this activity, you’ll think about the amount of energy and resources needed to make your favorite snack food and get it to you fresh, delicious, and undamaged.
What is your favorite snack? Select one to start:
- Cookies
- Granola bar
- Bag of chips
- Chilled soft drink
- Beef jerky
- Fruit smoothie
- Freshly popped popcorn
- Fresh apple
- Mini-carrots and dip
- Fruit drink
- Cheese and crackers
- Ice cream
- Other: ______________
Procedure
Find out how “earth-friendly” your snack is by answering the following questions. You may have to do some research! The more points a snack earns, the larger its carbon footprint … and the worse it is for the environment.
Question | If “yes,” add these points | Energy and Ingredient Use |
Is the snack in a package that can be washed and reused? | + 1 | Small |
Is the snack in a package that is disposable? | + 5 | Large |
Is the snack in a package that is recyclable? | + 3 | Medium to Large |
If the package can be recycled, do you throw it in the trash instead? | + 2 | Medium to Large |
Is the snack in a package that is compostable? | + 1 | Small |
Is the snack or ingredients shipped to you by truck or train? | + 3 | Medium |
Is the snack or ingredients shipped to you by plane or boat? | + 5 | Large |
Is the snack or ingredients made in a factory? | + 4 | Medium to Large |
Is the snack or ingredients made at home? | + 2 | Small to Medium |
Does a farmer grow the snack or ingredients on a farm? | + 2 | Small to Medium |
Did you grow the snack or ingredients in your garden? | + 1 | Small |
Is water part of the snack? | + 1 | Small, but not zero |
Does the snack need to be kept cold as it travels from the factory to the store, and in your home? | +3 | Medium |
Are there other energy or ingredient costs for your snack? | +1–5 | Small to Large |
TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS = |
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What do you observe?
Repeat the exercise above for a few more snacks. Which snacks have the smallest footprint? Which snacks have the biggest footprint?
Download and print this worksheet to record your observations.
How does it work?
Reducing our environmental footprint is important. But it’s about more than just making cleaner factories or more efficient cars. It also has to do with the personal choices we make. The snacks we choose (and the packaging they come in) make a difference. The amount of energy used to make, transport, and dispose of the snack also makes a difference. Even though the choices we make are small, the combined effect of all of us making good choices is huge!
Susan Hershberger, Ph.D. is Director of the Center for Chemistry Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
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