Chocolate Footprint: The Dark Side of Easter
While UK chocolate companies have reduced their packaging, Easter eggs still have a negative impact on the environment. Considering the manufacture and shipping of cocoa and milk, it should not be a surprise that Easter eggs are bad for the environment.
Environmental impact of chocolate
A 2018 study discussed the environmental impact of chocolate. What most people think about is the global warming potential (GWP) and the carbon dioxide equivalent, which is between 2.9–4.2 kilograms per kilogram of chocolate. However, there are other things to consider when discussing environmental impact.
It takes 31–63 litres of water to make 1 kilogram of chocolate. This includes the milk powder required to produce milk chocolate, which is the nation’s preferred chocolate. The fact that livestock, such as diary cows, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is very well known. However, drinking water for cattle accounts for 1.9% of water withdrawals in Europe.
Above-average temperatures and a lack of rain has led to severe drought in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean. Even this January, record-high temperatures and the lack of rain has affected winter crops in this region. As these droughts are expected to continue, it will have an impact on agriculture and the amount of drinking water available, and increase the risk of wildfires.
How to reduce your impact this Easter
If you would like to reduce your water footprint, it might be worth choosing dark chocolate options. Dark chocolate should not contain milk, which means that there is less needed in the production process. However, if you do not like dark chocolate, try chocolate made with plant-based alternatives, which have a smaller carbon footprint.
Trees are exceptionally important in improving soil fertility by reducing the erosion of topsoil by wind and rain. Degraded soil cannot retain moisture. In an environment with less precipitation, we need soil that can retain moisture to keep plants alive and healthy. By donating to The Greener Earth Project and planting a tree, you will be helping to offset your carbon footprint this Easter and helping to keep soil healthy.