Tomatoes are the second most consumed vegetable in the US, and the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They also are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Yet, much less is shared about the environmental impact, and especially the carbon emissions of tomatoes. So we had to ask: What is the carbon footprint of tomatoes?

Tomatoes have a relatively high carbon footprint of 0.82 kg (1.8 lbs) CO₂e per pound of produce. The main factor for these emissions is agriculture, which accounts for 94.53% of the overall carbon footprint of tomatoes, because of the large amounts of land needed to grow this crop.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the overall carbon emissions over the life-cycle of tomatoes. From growing, to packaging, to transporting, you will learn how this vegetable affects the planet and discover some ways to reduce and offset the footprint. 

Here’s How We Assessed the Carbon Footprint of Tomatoes

The carbon footprint is one of the ways we measure the effects of our human-induced global climate change. It primarily focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with consumption, but also includes other emissions such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons, and is generally expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e).

“Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gases 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 tomatoes:

• This includes GHG emissions from producing the products that we use and foods that we eat (e.g., power plants, factories or farms, and landfills)
• GHG emissions from fuel that we burn directly or indirectly (e.g., logistics and transportation, cooling or heating facilities),
• as well as the GHG emissions attributed to how we consume these products and foods.

To understand the carbon footprint of tomatoes, we must assess its life-cycle and each stage’s sustainability. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials.

Here’s the Overall Carbon Footprint of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the world’s most consumed vegetable. It is important to know the carbon footprint of these crops, so that you can make sustainable choices when it comes to food.

The overall carbon footprint of tomatoes is 0.82 kg (1.8 lbs) CO₂e per pound of produce, which is high for vegetables. The main factors that contribute to the CO₂ emissions are the amount of land required to grow this vegetable, as well as high water and pesticide requirements.

So, let’s have a look at each stage of the LCA of tomatoes!

These four stages can be broken down in more detail to understand why the carbon footprint of tomatoes is so high. 

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Growing Tomatoes

The carbon footprint of growing tomatoes is 0.77 kg (1.7lb) CO₂e per pound of produce. This makes up an enormous 94.53% of the overall carbon footprint of tomatoes. They require a lot of land, which means that they are not the most sustainable crop to grow.

There are many factors that impact the carbon footprint of growing tomatoes, such as land, water, and pesticide usage.  

Which factors impact the carbon footprint of growing tomatoes?

• How do tomatoes grow: Tomatoes are a fruit that originates from South America. They are part of the Solanaceae family, and are an incredibly labor-intensive plant to grow. There are two types of tomatoes, determinate, which grow on bushes, and indeterminate, which grow on vines. Over 3000 species of tomato are grown, and there are over 15,000 known varieties. All tomato species need full sun and protection from strong winds, as well as intensive pest control. 
• What is the growth duration of tomatoes: Tomatoes are a rapidly growing plant, and take approximately 90-150 days to grow. Quick harvest times are beneficial to the environment because the land can efficiently be used to yield more produce. This ultimately uses less resources than slower-growing crops, such as asparagus or artichokes.
• What is the land usage of tomatoes: Across the globe, 12.4 million acres (5 million hectares) are used to grow tomatoes. Per 1000 kilocalories of tomatoes, 4.21 m² of land is used, making them one of the most land-intensive plant-based foods. This is a large reason why the carbon footprint of tomatoes is high, though advancements are being made in vertical farming, to yield more crops using far less land. 
• What is the water usage of tomatoes: On average, 18.4 gallons of water are needed to grow 1 pound of tomatoes. Since plants in hot climates transpire far more than those in colder climates, tomatoes grown in cooler temperatures use a lot less water. This is a relatively low amount of water needed, especially in comparison to other fruits and vegetables, such as soybeans, which require almost 10 times the amount of water.
• What is the pesticide and fertilizer usage of tomatoes: Tomatoes are found to have the 12th most pesticide usage out of any fruit and vegetable in the US. An average tomato has 4 different pesticides used on it, and some have up to 15. Pesticides produce carbon emissions by being manufactured, transported, and applied to crops, so tomatoes are a high-impact crop in this regard. A move towards vertical farming would require less pesticides. To lessen the carbon footprint of tomatoes, opt for organic produce.

In short, large amounts of land are needed to grow tomatoes, which means the carbon footprint is high. In an effort to lower the carbon footprint, some farmers and researchers are exploring vertical farming, which will require a lot less water, land, and pesticides, and thus will be better for the environment.

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Harvesting, Processing, and Packaging Tomatoes

The carbon footprint of harvesting, processing, and packaging tomatoes is 0.0002kg (0.004 lb) CO₂e per pound of produce. This is a low 0.02% of the overall carbon footprint of tomatoes due to the efficient harvest process, and the fact that processed tomatoes make use of ‘imperfect’ plants, which would otherwise be wasted.  

Most tomatoes are harvested by machine and 20% are sold as processed ingredients. So, they come in a wide variety of packaging options from cardboard boxes to plastic wrap. Choosing sustainable packaging choices will help lower your carbon footprint when you purchase tomatoes. 

Which factors impact the carbon footprint of harvesting, processing, and packaging tomatoes?

• How are tomatoes harvested: The majority of tomatoes in the US are harvested by machine. This mechanization has made the process quick and efficient, meaning there is less of an impact on the carbon footprint. However, the machines themselves do release carbon emissions due to the fuel used. 
• How are tomatoes processed: Around 20% of tomatoes worldwide are processed into soups, purees, pickles, ketchups, juices, and sauces. Processed tomatoes have a lower carbon footprint, as less resources are used on refrigeration of fresh produce, and makes use of tomatoes that cannot be sold fresh. 
• How are tomatoes packaged: There are many methods of packaging tomatoes, including cardboard cartons, plastic boxes, plastic wrap, wooden crates or cardboard boxes. Processed tomatoes are also packaged in a variety of ways, from aluminum cans, to plastic bottles and glass jars. The most eco-friendly choice is to buy loose vegetables, which have been packed in biodegradable boxes. 

In short, the process of harvesting, processing, and packaging only amounts for 0.02% of the overall carbon footprint of tomatoes. To make more sustainable choices, buy loose fresh tomatoes and consider processed tomatoes, which have a lower carbon footprint. 

What Is the Carbon Footprint of Transporting of Tomatoes

The carbon footprint of transporting tomatoes is 0.04kg (0.1 lb) CO₂e per pound of produce. This is 5.43% of the overall carbon footprint of tomatoes. The climate impact is affected by the distance of travel, and whether they have been grown domestically or internationally. Since only 40% of tomatoes consumed are grown domestically, this contributes substantially to the overall carbon footprint. 

Despite the US being the second largest producer of tomatoes in the world, only 40% of tomatoes eaten in the country are grown here. Make sure to choose locally-grown food to have a positive impact on your carbon footprint. 

Which factors impact the carbon footprint of transporting tomatoes?

• Where are tomatoes grown: The US is the second largest producer of tomatoes, after China. The majority of US-grown tomatoes are harvested in Florida and California, which grow two-thirds of the nation’s tomatoes. California accounts for 95% of processed tomatoes. However, only 40% of fresh tomatoes consumed in the US are grown domestically, with the remaining 60% being imported from Mexico and Canada. Labor shortages in the US means that more tomatoes are imported as opposed to grown domestically. This international transport impacts the carbon footprint in a negative way. 
• How are tomatoes transported: Tomatoes are delicate crops and have to be transported carefully in refrigerated conditions. Fresh, perishable tomatoes are more likely to be transported by air, which is worse for the environment. Processed tomatoes are more likely to be domestic products, and thus travel fewer miles, making them more sustainable. 

In short, tomatoes grown in the US require less transportation, meaning they are better for the environment. However, labor shortages in the US, and cheaper products lead to more importation from Mexico and Canada, which creates a larger carbon footprint. Try to buy local produce to eat more sustainably. 

What Is the Carbon Footprint of the End-of-Life of Tomatoes

A massive 31% of fresh tomatoes are wasted annually, which is the equivalent of each person in the country throwing out 21 tomatoes a year. A huge amount of carbon emissions are created by food ending up in landfill. For every pound of food waste, 1.13 kg (2.5 lbs) of CO₂e is emitted. More research needs to be undertaken on the overall impact of the End-of-Life stage of tomatoes, but buying loose produce, as opposed to plastic-wrapped items, and composting waste are steps that we, as individuals, can take to reduce the carbon footprint. 

Tomatoes are a compostable product, which can create sustainable fertilizer. However, they sadly often end up rotting in landfill. Cardboard cartons can be recycled or will biodegrade, though the plastic packaging used is largely impossible to recycle. Waste can be reduced by choosing to buy unwrapped produce, and trying to throw less food away. Home processing, such as pickling, canning, or making ketchups, are a way to reduce waste. 

Which factors impact the carbon footprint of the end-of-life of tomatoes?

• How are tomatoes disposed of: Unfortunately up to 86.7% of tomatoes are thrown away due to appearance, before even reaching stores. The resources used to grow these crops just to discard them is enormous, and negatively impacts the carbon footprint of tomatoes. To reduce this waste, the demand for ‘wonky fruit’ has been rising. Buying imperfect produce will lead to farmers throwing away less crops. Tomatoes are completely compostable, though food waste in landfill is a big problem for the environment. 
• How is the packaging of tomatoes disposed of: Some retailers, such as British-based Marks and Spencer’s, are moving closer towards fully recyclable cardboard cartons for tomatoes. Most plastic film, or plastic cartons are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Choosing loose produce will reduce the harm of plastic waste, and reduce the need for recycling resources as well. Interestingly, studies are being made into using tomato waste as bio-lacquers for food packaging, which aims to reduce packaging waste of other products. 

In short, food and plastic waste contribute to this plant’s carbon footprint. Steps can be taken to reduce your individual waste, through buying loose produce, and not over-consuming or throwing out tomatoes. 

How Does the Carbon Footprint of Tomatoes Compare to Other Types of Food

Unfortunately, tomatoes have a high carbon footprint. In comparison to other vegetables, they rank second highest. The climate impact of tomatoes is larger than poultry and pork, when the greenhouse gas emissions are measured by kilocalories. 

Let’s see how tomatoes rank in comparison to other types of vegetables. 

How Does the Carbon Footprint of Tomatoes Compare to Other Types of Vegetables

Out of the ten most popular vegetables, tomatoes have the second highest carbon footprint, making them a rather unsustainable choice in comparison to the more sustainable root vegetables and brassicas, such as broccoli.

How Does the Carbon Footprint of Tomatoes Compare to Other Types of Food in General

Tomatoes generally have a high carbon footprint compared to other types of foods, and especially in comparison to other fruits and vegetables. 

When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), foods are often compared in terms of emissions per 1,000 kilocaories (as opposed to their weight in lbs or kg). And tomatoes are the fifth highest producer of GHG per 1,000 kilocalories. Only beef, farmed prawns, lamb/mutton, and dairy produce more greenhouse gasses. This makes it one of the least sustainable fruits and vegetables. 

Since the carbon emissions for tomatoes are relatively high, there are some ways to reduce and offset your carbon footprint. When you do purchase tomatoes, try to be mindful of the ways you can lessen your environmental impact.  

How Can You Reduce and Offset Your Personal Carbon Footprint

All of the food you eat will have some form of carbon footprint, especially when you buy food with high CO₂e. However, there are ways to offset and reduce your personal carbon footprint. 

There are a few easy techniques to buy more eco-friendly tomatoes, and you can also find ways to offset the carbon footprint after your purchase.

How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When Shopping for Tomatoes

When shopping for tomatoes, consider these ways to lessen your impact on the environment. 

1. Opt for packaging-free produce: If you are unable to find loose tomatoes, choose cardboard-based packaging as opposed to plastic. Plastic waste is hard to recycle and creates an abundance of issues, but you can also reduce the impact of recycling by purchasing fruit and vegetables with no packaging at all.
2. Buy locally: Driving up demand for local produce reduces food miles and lessens greenhouse gas emissions. Making sure to buy tomatoes grown in the US, instead of imported from other countries, will have a positive impact.
3. Get creative with leftovers: Try not to over-consume in the first place, but if you find yourself with extra tomatoes, make sauces, salsas, purees, pickles, or other recipes that preserve them. This will help reduce your carbon footprint in terms of food waste. If you are stuck for ideas, here are some recipes that might inspire you. 

Taking these actions are a great way to lessen your own carbon footprint, but there are also ways to offset the impact of consuming tomatoes as well.

How Can You Offset Your Personal Carbon Footprint

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 tomatoes. 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 tomatoes – and indeed all food types – there will always be a carbon footprint, because of the resources it takes to get food from farms to dinner tables. Since tomatoes produce a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions, and are one of the least sustainable vegetable choices, you could find a way to offset the CO₂e to make your impact net zero.

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.

Final Thoughts

Since tomatoes use a lot of land and water, they are a rather unsustainable crop to grow. Though there are lots of choices of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses which produce less carbon emissions, it is unlikely that everyone will avoid the planet’s favorite vegetable! By being aware of the carbon footprint of tomatoes, you are in a better place to make reductions in food and packaging waste, and consciously consume. Try to reduce or offset your personal carbon footprint, so that you can enjoy a tomato dish in the most sustainable way possible.

Stay impactful,

Sources

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