Our Top Stories
Carbon tracking and climate transparency: Right now, there are millions of people out there who want to make greener choices in terms of what they buy and what they consume, but often lack the information to make those decisions. AgFunder reports on Reewild’s new carbon tracking app, which not only acts as a tool for consumers to understand the environmental impact of the food they buy, but also provides an effective and engaging way for people to reduce their own food carbon footprint. As pressure for climate action increases, the Reewild app is a first-of-its-kind solution to connect responsible brands with conscious consumers. [AgFunder]
Greater greenwashing risk: Earlier this year, HSBC had two advertisements banned for greenwashing. Now, according to Edie, the bank plans to add greenwashing to its own risk matrix, putting more pressure on others to make sure any claims are substantiated. HSBC’s latest report states that ESG risks, including climate risk, are also becoming more likely in frequency and greater in scale. Businesses who are to succeed in showcasing their sustainability must now be even more cautious when making green claims, as both investors and consumers become more aware of greenwashing tactics. [Edie]
Supermarket sustainability strategies: Edie sheds light on two new supermarket schemes: the Co-op has announced the removal of best-before dates on most of its fresh produce lines, whilst Sainsbury’s have launched fruit and veg boxes containing products that would have otherwise gone to waste. Both strategies highlight the importance of reducing food waste, with around 9.5 million tonnes discarded every year. Food waste also makes up 5% of the UK’s total emissions, so any action to reduce the amount thrown away is a win for the environment. [Edie]
Brand Spotlight - Abel & Cole
Abel & Cole is claiming a UK first by becoming the only retailer to introduce eco labelling across its entire fruit and veg range. According to FruitNet, the company has introduced eco labelling to encourage shoppers to eat more sustainably. “As well as influencing customer behaviour, eco labelling is also an important tool for helping brands make their products more sustainable,” the retailer said. ”By mapping supply chains and detailing the impact of each process involved, a business can see where the most effective improvements can be made.” [FruitNet]
Research Corner
Rationing to fight climate change: Nathan Wood and his team have investigated what effect a WWII-style rationing programme could have as a way to mitigate climate change. The academics argue that rationing could actually help reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly and fairly. Although there are some benefits, the strategy only works with the majority of the public onboard. Many steps would need to be taken to ensure policies are implemented safely, but what the study does show is that there is an ultimate need for us to drastically reduce our food carbon footprint. [T&F]
Stat Attack
“The total amount of fossil fuel subsidies provided globally almost doubled year-on-year in 2022, reaching an all-time high of $1trn.”
Source: International Energy Agency (IEA)
The Big Picture
About Reewild
The food and agriculture industry is at the heart of the climate crisis, generating around a third of man-made greenhouse emissions. And while the challenge of reducing its impact may seem beyond our grasp, it is one that we all have the power to tackle.
We believe that the solution lies in climate transparency. That’s why we’re equipping businesses with the means to evaluate and communicate the emissions of their products. This, in turn, means consumers are armed with credible, independent information, which can be used to make more sustainable choices.
We know that many people want to take climate action but lack the necessary tools and information to do so. We're confident that, armed with the right knowledge, everyone can and will do their bit to build a greener, more sustainable food system.
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https://reewild.com/coming_soon/
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