The Environmental Impact of Grapefruits: From Farm to Table

The Environmental Impact of Grapefruits: From Farm to Table

By
Teresa Mersereau

Read Time:18 Minutes

CLICK TO
SUBSCRIBE

follow follow

Impactful Ninja is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Learn more .

Affiliate Disclosure

Hey fellow impactful ninja ?

You may have noticed that Impactful Ninja is all about providing helpful information to make a positive impact on the world and society. And that we love to link back to where we found all the information for each of our posts.

  • Most of these links are informational-based for you to check out their primary sources with one click.

  • But some of these links are so-called "affiliate links" to products that we recommend.

Why do we add these product links?

First and foremost, because we believe that they add value to you. For example, when we wrote a post about the environmental impact of long showers, we came across an EPA recommendation to use WaterSense showerheads. So we linked to where you can find them. Or, for many of our posts, we also link to our favorite books on that topic so that you can get a much more holistic overview than one single blog post could provide.

And when there is an affiliate program for these products, we sign up for it. For example, as Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

What do these affiliate links mean for you?
  1. First, and most importantly, we still only recommend products that we believe add value for you.

  2. When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission - but at no additional costs to you.

  3. And when you buy something through a link that is not an affiliate link, we won’t receive any commission but we’ll still be happy to have helped you.

What do these affiliate links mean for us?
  1. When we find products that we believe add value to you and the seller has an affiliate program, we sign up for it.

  2. When you buy something through one of our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra costs to you).

  3. And at this point in time, all money is reinvested in sharing the most helpful content with you. This includes all operating costs for running this site and the content creation itself.

What does this mean for me personally?

You may have noticed by the way Impactful Ninja is operated that money is not the driving factor behind it. It is a passion project of mine and I love to share helpful information with you to make a positive impact on the world and society. However, it's a project in that I invest a lot of time and also quite some money.

Eventually, my dream is to one day turn this passion project into my full-time job and provide even more helpful information. But that's still a long time to go.

Stay impactful,

Grapefruits are the cousin of the citrus family, known for their semi-sweet, bitter taste. They are a breakfast staple, with lots of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A to help you start your day. Grapefruits are incredibly popular, with the grapefruit industry valued at $8 billion in 2018 and projected to grow to over $11 billion by 2027. But grapefruits can also have a significant impact on the environment. So we had to ask: What is the environmental impact of grapefruits?

Grapefruits have a moderately negative environmental impact. This is mainly due to their use of plastic and styrofoam packaging, monoculture farming methods, and nitrogen fertilizer usage. Their environmental impact is average compared to other fruits. 

In this article, we will examine the environmental impact of grapefruits from several different angles. We will go through the life-cycle of grapefruits, detailing their impact on the environment from growth to distribution to your plate to waste management. We will then compare the environmental impact of grapefruits to that of other fruits. And, finally, we’ll share some tips with you on how you can reduce your own environmental impact and offset your own carbon emissions – both for your personal life and grapefruit-related.

Here’s How We Assessed the Environmental Impact of Grapefruits

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the ways we measure the potential environmental effects of our actions, like the consumption of grapefruits. It is a holistic assessment based on the environmental changes associated with our consumption. Those are changes in our environment that can have adverse effects on the air, land, water, fish, and wildlife or the inhabitants of the ecosystem.

Environmental Impact: the effect that the activities of people and businesses have on the environment”

Cambridge Dictionary

Basically, all goods and services you buy – including grapefruits – leave an impact on our environment. When it comes to food in general, and grapefruits in specific, the following are key factors:

To understand the overall environmental impact of grapefruits, we must assess each of their key factors. This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool originally developed to identify the environmental impacts of a project prior to decision-making and also helps us to evaluate the environmental impacts of grapefruits, from farm to table.

Here’s the Overall Environmental Impact of Grapefruits

The overall environmental impact of grapefruits is moderate. The main factors that contribute to their impact are monoculture farming, nitrogen fertilizers, and the use of plastic and styrofoam in packaging. 

Grapefruits have a lot of positive qualities when it comes to environmental impact. They sequester carbon well, have a very low carbon footprint, use very few pesticides, and don’t require too much irrigation. However, they still have many qualities that harm the environment. 

So, let’s have a look at the environmental impact of each key factor of grapefruits!

Key Assessment FactorsEnvironmental Impact
Land requirements for grapefruitsGrapefruits’ land requirements are moderate. However, their use of monoculture agriculture and participation in desertification and deforestation mean that their land impact on the environment is very negative. 
Water footprint of grapefruitsGrapefruits have a moderately high water requirement of 60 inches of water per year. Because of where they grow, they require a small amount of irrigation. They also use significant plastic packaging, which impacts water sources negatively. 
Agrochemical usage for grapefruitsThe agrochemical usage for grapefruits is moderate. This is because while their pesticide use is low, they are fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer which can damage local ecosystems. 
Carbon footprint of grapefruitsGrapefruits have a low carbon footprint of 0.08kg (0.18lb) of CO2e per pound of grapefruit. This is mainly caused by mechanization during the harvesting and processing stages, the use of styrofoam and plastic packaging, and low composting rates.
Waste generation of grapefruitsGrapefruits’ waste generation is very high. This is mainly because they use hard-to-recycle materials like plastic and styrofoam in their packaging.

These are the overall summaries, but there is a lot more to the story. In the next few sections, we will dive deeper into each stage to illustrate to you all the important aspects of grapefruits’ environmental impact.

What Are the Land Requirements for Grapefruits

Grapefruits’ land requirements are moderate. However, their use of monoculture agriculture and participation in desertification and deforestation mean that their land impact on the environment is very negative. 

Illustration of global land use for food production
Our World in Data: Global land use for food production

Growing grapefruits has a lot of variables that contribute to their environmental impact. The amount of land they use, the way in which they grow, and the amount of time they take to grow will all contribute to their environmental impact.

How do the land requirements of grapefruits impact their environmental footprint?

In short, grapefruits use a lot of farming practices that are very harmful to lands and wildlife. Monoculture farming and participation in deforestation practices are some of the most damaging. 

What Is the Water Footprint of Grapefruits

Grapefruits have a moderately high water requirement of 60 inches of water per year. Because of where they grow, they require a small amount of irrigation. They also use significant plastic packaging, which impacts water sources negatively. 

Water usage is one of the most important factors in the environmental impact of a fruit. The amount of water used, as well as the way they affect the water sources around them, are all major contributing factors. Here, we will look at these different angles to grapefruits’ water impact.

How does the water footprint of grapefruits impact their environmental footprint?

In short, grapefruits have a significant water footprint because of their use of irrigation and plastic and styrofoam packaging. 

What Is the Agrochemical Usage for Grapefruits

The agrochemical usage for grapefruits is moderate. This is because while their pesticide use is low, they are fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer which can damage local ecosystems. 

Pesticides and fertilizers are agrochemicals that can have a significant impact on the environment. They both require resources to create as well as have effects on the life around them. Here, we will look at how grapefruits’ pesticide and fertilizer rates affect their environmental impact.

How does the agrochemical usage of grapefruits impact their environmental footprint?

In short, grapefruits have a moderate agrochemical impact. On the one hand, their pesticide use is low. But on the other hand, they use nitrogen, one of the most harmful fertilizers. 

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Grapefruits

Grapefruits have a low carbon footprint of 0.08kg (0.18lb) of CO2e per pound of grapefruit. This is mainly caused by mechanization during the harvesting and processing stages, the use of styrofoam and plastic packaging, and low composting rates.

Illustration of global greenhouse gas emissions from food production
Our World in Data: Global greenhouse gas emissions from food production

Carbon footprint is one aspect of the overall environmental impact of a fruit. It essentially measures how much carbon or other greenhouse gasses the production of grapefruit emits into the atmosphere. Emissions from product manufacturing, irrigation, transportation fuel, and landfills all add up to create the overall carbon footprint of a fruit. Let’s see how the carbon footprint of grapefruits breaks down and contributes to their environmental impact.

How does the carbon footprint of grapefruits impact their environmental footprint?

In short, grapefruits have one of the lowest carbon footprints among fruits. While they do have some emission-heavy components, they are overall one of the most carbon-conscious fruits you can buy.

Related: Check out our full article on “What Is the Carbon Footprint of Grapefruits? A Life-Cycle Analysis” to find out all about the carbon footprint of grapefruits and how each stage of their life-cycle contributes to it (plus, what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint when shopping for grapefruits).

What Is the Waste Generation of Grapefruits

Grapefruits’ waste generation is very high. This is mainly because they use hard-to-recycle materials like plastic and styrofoam in their packaging. 

When fruit waste, either packaging or organic materials, is disposed of, it can have a major impact on the environment. Whether it’s damaging wildlife, getting into oceans, emitting methane, or dissolving into microplastics that contaminate groundwater, all these materials have their part to play. In this section, we will look at how grapefruits’ waste affects the environment.

How does the waste generation of grapefruits impact their environmental footprint?

  • What is the packaging of grapefruits: Grapefruits use mainly plastic and styrofoam in their packaging. Both of these materials have serious environmental consequences in their manufacturing process. Styrofoam’s impact mainly comes from toxic chemicals leaked during their production. Plastic also has devastating impacts, creating air and water pollution which is harmful to people and wildlife. 
  • How is the packaging of grapefruits disposed of: Both plastic and styrofoam have very low recycling rates, at 9% and 1%, respectively. This means that the majority of grapefruit packaging is going to end up in landfills. Landfills have very devastating effects on the environment, such as high greenhouse gas emissions, chemical runoff, and land clearing. For this reason, the disposal of grapefruit packaging has a very negative environmental impact. 
  • How are grapefruits disposed of: Grapefruits have peels that are not generally eaten. They can technically be composted, but unfortunately, only 4% of food waste is actually composted. Even worse, when food waste is in landfills, it releases a greenhouse gas called methane. Because of this low recycling rate, grapefruit waste has a significant impact on the environment. 

In short, grapefruits’ use of plastic and styrofoam packaging, as well as their low composting rates, means that their waste generation has a very negative impact on the environment. 

What Have Been Historical Environmental Issues Connected to the Grapefruits Industry

The grapefruit industry has historically had a very negative environmental impact. This is mainly caused by their monoculture farming, nitrogen fertilizer usage, and land consumption. 

All fruits have had a complex road toward global distribution. They originate in one part of the world and often travel far to end up in your local supermarket. From farm to table, some of our favorite fruits have racked up some serious environmental damage along the way. Whether it’s deforestation to meet demand, water pollution, or disruption of wildlife. Let’s see how grapefruits have fared throughout history. 

What have been the key environmental issues of the grapefruits industry?

  • How much land has been lost because of grapefruit production: Citrus has historically been one of the biggest fruit markets, especially in the US. In Florida alone, it accounts for over 150,000 hectares of farmland. Florida’s wetlands have been negatively affected by agricultural farming in the region, partially due to grapefruit farming. 
  • Which wildlife species have been negatively impacted or displaced because of grapefruit production: Wildlife is very negatively affected by monocultures. Grapefruits’ use of monoculture farming has affected the biodiversity of many regions over the years, especially in Florida. 
  • Have water sources and soil been contaminated because of grapefruits production: Nitrogen fertilizer has had a very devastating effect on waterways. It has been damaging to significant amounts of soil, groundwater, and freshwater. The fact that grapefruit uses this fertilizer means that it has greatly impacted these ecosystems over the years. 

In short, grapefruits’ use of land clearance, monoculture farming, and nitrogen fertilizer have all contributed to their negative environmental impact. 

What Is the Overall Environmental Impact of Food and Agriculture

Food production in general has a high environmental impact. Everything from the amount of land used to the energy involved in irrigation to its effect on plant and animal biodiversity can be a factor in this. In the chart below, you can see how food production is one of the biggest influences on these areas of the environment. 

Illustration of the environmental impacts of food and agriculture
Our World in Data: The environmental impacts of food and agriculture

Agriculture alone accounts for over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, while using half of the world’s habitable land and 70% of the global freshwater withdrawals. Agriculture also causes 78% of the global ocean and freshwater pollution

Livestock accounts for the vast majority of non-human mammal and bird biomass. Mammal livestock outweighs wild mammals by a factor of 15-to-1, and poultry livestock outweighs wild birds by a factor of more than 3-to-1.

These statistics highlight the need for sustainable and responsible practices in food production to reduce its impact on the environment. And the need for us to shift toward more environmentally-friendly foods.

How Can You Reduce Your Environmental Impact and Offset Your Personal Carbon Footprint

There are a few things you can do to mitigate some of the negative environmental effects of consuming grapefruits, while still enjoying them. You can also consider offsetting your personal and grapefruit-related carbon emissions, which work to remove carbon emissions elsewhere that are then attributed to you. Here, we will walk you through how to accomplish both of these things.

How Can You Reduce Your Environmental Impact When Shopping for Grapefruits

In this section, we give you a short list of ways you can reduce the negative environmental effects of oranges, based on those parts of the life-cycle of grapefruits that would otherwise most negatively impact the environment:

  1. Avoid packaging: One of the worst aspects of grapefruit production is their use of harmful materials like plastic and styrofoam. If you make sure that the grapefruits you buy are loose with no packaging then you can help reduce your footprint in this area. Even if you can find more eco-friendly packaging made from paper or cardboard, which is much easier to recycle, then you will be able to reduce your impact. 
  2. Compost your grapefruit peels: Food waste in landfills is a huge problem. If you want to really help reduce your grapefruit carbon footprint, you should make an effort to compost your grapefruit peels. If your city doesn’t have a composting system, you can consider making one yourself
  3. Re-use your grapefruit peels: Even better than composting is using the whole fruit in the first place! There are a multitude of uses for grapefruit peels, including making candy, teas, liqueurs, and even cleaning supplies

Following some of these methods can really help you to cut down on your environmental impact of eating grapefruits. None of these will completely eradicate these negative impacts, since there are always effects that may be outside of your control. But some reduction is always better than nothing!

Which Organizations Can You Support to Help Alleviate Your Environmental Impact

While grapefruits can cause a wide range of environmental damage, there are also some organizations that help you reduce parts of your impact that would otherwise be outside of your control. These organizations are working hard to prevent and reverse damage to the environment caused by industries like grapefruits agriculture.

In the table below are some of the best environmental charities that work in the areas where grapefruits production has affected the environment – and beyond:

Overall environmental impactBest charities that fight to protect our environment
Land requirementsBest charities for reforestation
Best wildlife conservation charities
Best charities for protecting the Amazon rainforest
Best charities that protect our national parks
Water footprintBest charities that fight for clean water
Best charities that help conserve our rivers
Best charities to save our oceans
Agrochemical usageBest charities that help farmers
Best charities for helping farm animals
Carbon footprintBest charities for climate change
Best carbon offsets for individuals
Waste generationBest charities that fight to reduce food waste
Best charities that fight to end plastic pollution
Best charities that promote recycling

Though it is helpful to reduce the environmental impact of your personal grapefruits consumption, supporting these organizations takes your positive impact a step further. You will be reaching far beyond your own consumption impacts and helping to build a better world for everyone!

How Can You Offset Your Personal Carbon Footprint

The carbon footprint is a key part of your environmental impact. And it is one of the ways we measure the effects of our human-induced global climate change. Yes, even from eating grapefruits!

Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gasses and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period”

Merriam Webster

Basically, it is the amount of carbon emitted by you as an individual or an organization providing you with goods and services – including grapefruits:

Illustration of carbon emissions from food
Our World in Data: Emissions from food alone would take us past 1.5°C or 2°C this century

Carbon offsets are reductions in carbon emissions that are used to compensate for carbon emissions occurring elsewhere – for example for the carbon emissions that are associated with grapefruits. They are measured in tons of CO2 equivalents and are bought and sold through international brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms on what is known as the global carbon offset market. 

Carbon Offset: a way for a company or person to reduce the level of carbon dioxide for which they are responsible by paying money to a company that works to reduce the total amount produced in the world, for example by planting trees

Oxford Dictionary

In terms of grapefruits – and indeed all food types – there will always be a carbon footprint, because of the resources it takes to get your food from farms to the place where you’ll eventually eat them. And while there are ways to reduce your carbon footprint when shopping for grapefruits, carbon offsets would be a way to reduce your CO2e emissions all the way down to net zero (or even to become climate positive).

However, when you purchase carbon offsets, it’s important that they actually make a difference in offsetting (aka reducing) total carbon emissions. To achieve that, the following are key criteria:

  • Carbon offset projects have to be effective (different projects have different effectiveness rates)
  • Carbon offset projects have to be additional
  • Carbon offset projects have to be permanent
  • The claims from carbon offset projects have to be verifiable

To find the best carbon offsets for you personally, check out our full guide on the best carbon offsets for individuals, where you’ll also learn more about how these carbon offset projects work, what their respective offsetting costs are, and what your best way would be to offset your own carbon emissions.

Related: Check out our full guide on “What Are the Best Carbon Offsets for Individuals: Complete 2024 List” to find the best carbon offset providers for your personal carbon emissions and those associated to, e.g., eating grapefruits.

Final Thoughts

Though grapefruits have some positive qualities, like their very low carbon footprint, they are also prone to many environmental damages. Their use of nitrogen fertilizer damages waterways, their plastic and styrofoam packaging contributes significantly to landfills, and their monoculture farming has reduced biodiversity. However, by following some of the reduction tips like cutting down on packaging, you can be a more responsible grapefruit consumer. 

Stay impactful,

Illustration of a signature for Teresa

Sources

Photo of author
Did you like this article?

Get the 5-minute newsletter that makes reading impactful news enjoyable—packed with actionable insights to make a positive impact in your daily life.

Newsletter Form - After Content

Three Related Posts

One Unrelated Post

Illustration of our Impactful Ninja logo, which is a ninja holding a green heart and has a light-green outline here
Become more impactful, one email at a time
Get the 5-minute newsletter that makes reading impactful news enjoyable—packed with actionable insights to make a positive impact in your daily life.
Illustration of our Impactful Ninja logo, holding up a newsletter with a green heart
Become more impactful, one email at a time
Get the 5-minute newsletter that makes reading impactful news enjoyable—packed with actionable insights to make a positive impact in your daily life.