October 28, 2009

1 Min Read
Sweden requires carbon emissions labels for food

Well the Swedes have done it. And it looks like they are on to something. The country is now requiring information on a product's carbon usage to be labeled as clearly as its ingredients.

You might imagine that deducting all of this compicated math about carbon emissions, miles traveled, packaging used, etc, is a TON of work, but it seems to be paying off so far in Sweden. The labeling is expected to cut the country's emissions from food production from 20 to 50 percent.

Other countries like the U.K., Australia, and the U.S. have been talking about taking these measures for years. Even California (as a separate entity) has been lobbying for clear labels to the government. So what's the hold up? Why did Sweden beat us to the punch? According to European Union food industry representatives, it's because manufacturers don't want a consumer falling for misleading labels and choosing a non-healthy, green product over an gas guzzling, good-for-you food.

What do you think is the best action to take: carbon labels or no carbon labels? If you had (or do have) a private label, do you put emissions information on there? Would you? Why or why not? Natural products industry retailers need to step up and explain to congress what the next best measure is.

Sound off below.

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