Distinguishing Environmental Impacts of Household Food-Spending Patterns Among U.S. Demographic Groups

摘要

The food-energy-water (FEW) nexus is a focal point in research due to its impacts on ecosystem services that sustain human life. Despite this, FEW studies have not produced enough policy-relevant insights, particularly addressing differences across demographic groups with sufficient data and analysis. We addressed this research gap by integrating socioeconomic status (SES) with pertinent life cycle assessment findings to explore food-consumption impacts across three of the largest demographic groups (Black, Latinx, White) in the United States. Looking at five food groups-vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, and grains-food-consumption impacts per dollar spent (FCI$) were calculated. Results show that Latinx and Black household food purchasing and consumption behavior has greater impact on cradle-to-farm-gate environmental resources (land, greenhouse gas [GHG], water) for every dollar spent compared with White households. Higher FCI$ rates for Latinx and Black households are attributable to relatively low average household incomes (i.e., lower SES), which is associated with the purchase of more cheaper, energy-dense foods. Addressing food access issues for demographic groups of lower SES could facilitate the purchase of less environmentally-intense foods, thereby conserving environmental resources and mitigating GHG emissions. Specifically, different messaging relevant to particular demographic groups may be necessary to encourage healthier and lower-impact dietary choices. This study's results provide practitioners, policy makers, and researchers policy-relevant data for issues involving the environment, with interesting discussion on implications for racial equity and human health.