"Environmental impact of food in Spain", the new edition of Consumer Co-operatives Journal by Hispacoop

Hispacoop presents the new edition of the Consumer Co-operatives Journal with an analysis of the «Environmental impact of food in Spain». Consumers' eating habits and the current food production and consumption system undoubtedly impact the planet, this is why it is essential to make informed decisions that can positively influence shopping preferences toward better environmental performance. As active actors in the food systems, consumers need to move towards more sustainable models, as well as contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of their practices and activities.

With this paper, Hispacoop wants to investigate, from the food sector's point of view, how consumers' behaviors generate considerable impacts on the planet and which actions can be carried out to minimize their environmental footprint. Nowadays, consumers are increasingly aware of how they can reduce their environmental impact and they are changing their behaviors toward more sustainable and informed decisions, but there is still much to be done: the cost of living is increasing and the price represents a barrier to sustainable food production and consumption. Therefore, this problem affects a large slice of the population that cannot afford the shift toward a green lifestyle. 

This paper includes opinions and reflections of relevant experts in the field and aims to look at the topic from different perspectives: from food production to distribution, but also from normative to nutritional aspects. 

The publication is part of the Project "Environmental impact of food", funded by the Ministry of Consumption of Spain, with the support and collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain. On behalf of all Spanish consumer co-operatives, Hispacoop publishes this publication as a call for a full commitment to sustainability by promoting innovations and new business opportunities.

Read the full paper