When it comes to sustainable dining, what you eat is only part of the equation—where it comes from matters just as much. The concept of “food miles” refers to the distance food travels from the place it’s produced to the place it’s consumed. The greater the distance, the higher the transportation emissions and overall environmental impact. For eco-conscious diners, being aware of food miles is a practical way to support a more responsible food system.
What Are Food Miles?
Food miles measure the environmental cost of transporting food from farms to tables. This includes road, air, and sea travel. According to a 2022 study published in Nature Food, global food transport contributes nearly 20% of all food-system emissions—far higher than previously estimated. Airfreighted foods, in particular, can generate emissions several times higher than food moved by truck or boat.
Why Food Miles Matter
- Energy Consumption: Transporting perishable goods often requires refrigeration, further increasing energy use.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Long-distance travel—especially by air—produces more carbon per kilogram of food.
- Packaging Waste: Food that travels farther often requires more packaging to stay fresh, contributing to landfill waste.
The Local vs. Global Debate
While buying local is a helpful general rule, food miles aren’t the only factor. Some imported foods (like bananas shipped by sea) may have lower emissions than locally grown foods that are heavily processed or trucked long distances. The key is to consider the entire lifecycle of the food, not just the travel.
How Restaurants Reduce Food Miles
Many sustainable restaurants take steps to minimize food miles by:
- Sourcing from local farms
- Designing seasonal menus
- Growing their own produce on-site or nearby
- sing foraged or wild ingredients
Restaurants like Blue Hill at Stone Barns and SingleThread are leaders in low-mileage sourcing and regenerative agriculture.
How You Can Reduce Food Miles While Dining Out
- Choose Farm-to-Table Restaurants
Look for restaurants that partner with nearby farms. Tools like LocalHarvest and the Eat Well Guide can help you find local sourcing champions in your area. - Ask About Ingredient Origins
If a dish features out-of-season produce or imported seafood, ask your server where it comes from. Restaurants committed to low-impact dining are usually transparent. - Opt for Seasonal Dishes
Seasonal ingredients are more likely to come from nearby, as they don’t need to be imported from faraway regions. Use the Seasonal Food Guide to track what’s in season near you. - Limit Airfreighted Foods
Delicate, high-demand items like berries, asparagus, and tropical fruits are often flown in. While delicious, they tend to have a much higher carbon footprint. - Support Restaurants That Disclose Sourcing
Transparency is key. If a restaurant lists farms or regions next to its dishes, it’s likely invested in reducing food miles and supporting local economies.
Beyond Distance: The Bigger Picture
While food miles are a useful metric, they’re just one piece of the sustainability puzzle. A local burger from a feedlot might still have a larger environmental footprint than an imported lentil dish. Prioritizing plant-based meals, choosing organic and regenerative ingredients, and avoiding food waste can all have a greater combined impact.
