Food and agriculture play a significant role in shaping the environment, with food production contributing to over a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions and agriculture consuming roughly 70% of the world's freshwater resources. The interconnection between food and the environment underscores the need to consider the sustainability of our dietary choices. While extra virgin olive oil is renowned for its health benefits, questions have arisen about its environmental impact. In this article, we will explore the sustainability of extra virgin olive oil in comparison to other cooking oils.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil as a Carbon Sink
One remarkable feature that sets extra virgin olive oil apart from other cooking oils is the olive tree's ability to function as a carbon sink. This means that olive trees absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release, making them a valuable tool in combating climate change. According to estimates from the International Olive Council, the production of one liter of extra virgin olive oil captures an average of 10.65 kilograms of carbon from the atmosphere. In other words, a hectare of the average olive grove can neutralize the carbon footprint of an individual, and the global olive oil industry can offset the emissions of a city with roughly 9 million inhabitants.
Efficient Water Usage
Olive trees are known for their water-efficient characteristics. They are evergreen perennial crops that can thrive with minimal water and fertilizer use, making them a sustainable choice for regions facing water scarcity. Olive trees exhibit remarkable resilience to drought and low-water conditions, surviving with minimal impact on their production. When compared to other crops, olive trees require 30% less water than the benchmark crop, such as close-cut grass, to achieve full irrigation.
Biodiversity Preservation
Preserving biodiversity is crucial for the stability of ecosystems and the resilience of food production systems. In stark contrast to the limited biodiversity associated with some other edible plant species, olive trees contribute to a rich and diverse environment with minimal negative impacts resulting from land-system change. This stands in stark contrast to the production of palm oil and soybean oil, which has been linked to deforestation in regions like Southeast Asia and the Amazon.
Aligning Dietary Patterns with Sustainability
The food we consume significantly impacts the climate. Sustainability principles are increasingly integrated into dietary recommendations. For example, the EAT-Lancet report proposed a reference diet that is both healthy for people and the planet, emphasizing a 'flexitarian' approach and a diet largely based on plant-based foods. The diet recommends a daily consumption of 20-80 grams of unsaturated fat, roughly equivalent to 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, aligning with published literature describing the health benefits associated with this oil. The Mediterranean diet, a prime example of a dietary pattern in line with the EAT-Lancet report, features extra virgin olive oil as the main dietary fat, further supporting its sustainable and health-conscious status.
In Conclusion
When compared to other cooking oils, extra virgin olive oil emerges as a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Olive trees demonstrate exceptional resilience to climate change, with deep root systems that combat soil erosion and the capacity to sequester carbon dioxide, aiding in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They thrive in arid regions, conserve water resources, and are typically grown using traditional and low-impact farming practices. With their long lifespan and ability to produce fruit for many years, olive trees promote long-term sustainability when managed responsibly. By choosing extra virgin olive oil, consumers not only enjoy its health benefits but also contribute to a healthier planet.
Piro is committed to maintaining a sustainable and carbon-neutral olive oil production, a commitment they have upheld for several years. Their dedication to sustainable practices ensures that their olive oil production remains environmentally friendly and contributes to a healthier planet.
