Evaluation of consumer domestic habits on the environmental impact of ready-to-eat and minimally processed fresh-cut lamb's lettuce

Abstract

Food consumption is associated with various environmental impacts and therefore consumer choices represent an important driver for environmental decisions. This study evaluates the environmental impact of fresh-cut salad lamb's lettuce (Valerianella Locusta L.) consumption consumer habits on the whole life cycle. Minimally processed lamb's lettuce and ready to eat lamb's lettuce were analysed following the life cycle assessment method. The functional unit was defined as a commercial unit of fresh-cut salad lamb's lettuce (130 g packaged salad). Representative data related to the consumption stages were obtained using questionnaires and results were compared to the whole life cycle of fresh-cut salad. The minimally processed salad required an average of 14 dm3 of water to be washed while the ready to eat salad needs 8.8 dm3 (36% less). Regarding the whole life cycle, the higher impact was identified in the agricultural phase for both products (46% average amongst impact categories). The consumers’ behaviour was quantified as significant in the whole life cycle: the consumption stages have an average impact of 18% and 15% amongst impact categories for the minimally processed salad and for the ready to eat, respectively. The environmental impact of consumers’ habits can be easily reduced with responsible and virtuous behaviour. The proposed ideal habits scenario showed a potential reduction of environmental impact ranged from 1% for minimally processed salad to 97% for ready to eat salad.