Food Systems & Supply Chains
What is a food system?
The process of producing, processing, transporting, consuming, and disposing of food.
What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to food systems (approximate)?
About one-third.
In Buddhist ethics, why is intention important in food choices?
Because intention reflects compassion and mindfulness.
How does meat-heavy consumption affect global food access?
It uses crops that could feed people instead of animals.
What does “vote with your fork” mean?
Food choices influence how food is produced.
Why do industrial food systems often have higher environmental costs?
They rely heavily on fossil fuels, monoculture farming, and long-distance transportation.
Why is beef considered one of the most climate-intensive foods?
Cows produce methane and require large amounts of feed, land, and water.
What does “ahimsa” mean, and how does it relate to diet?
Non-violence; avoiding harm to living beings.
Why are plant-based foods generally more accessible globally?
They require fewer resources and cost less to produce.
How can students reduce their food-related carbon footprint?
Eat less meat, waste less food, and choose plant-based options.
What is monoculture farming?
Growing only one crop over a large area repeatedly.
How does climate change negatively affect agriculture?
Through droughts, floods, unpredictable weather, and reduced crop yields.
Why might eating meat conflict with Buddhist compassion?
It involves harm to sentient beings.
What ethical issue arises when wealthy nations consume excessive meat?
Resource inequality and environmental burden on poorer nations.
Why is awareness the first step toward ethical eating?
You cannot change habits you don’t understand.
Why is monoculture risky for the environment?
It reduces biodiversity and increases vulnerability to pests and disease.
What is “climate-smart agriculture”?
Farming practices that reduce emissions while increasing resilience to climate change.
How does vegetarianism reflect interdependence?
It acknowledges the connection between humans, animals, and nature.
How can dietary choices support food justice?
By reducing waste and choosing efficient, sustainable foods.
How does mindful eating align with sustainability?
It encourages moderation and gratitude.
How does eating plant-based foods shorten the food supply chain?
It removes the step of feeding crops to animals before humans eat them.
Why are plant-based diets often promoted in climate action plans?
They significantly reduce emissions compared to meat-heavy diets.
What Buddhist value is practiced by reducing food waste?
Gratitude and respect for resources.
Why is hunger considered an ethical issue, not just an economic one?
Because food access is a basic human need.
Why are small individual actions still important?
Collective behavior creates large-scale impact.