...A one-pound box of prewashed lettuce contains 80…
“...A one-pound box of prewashed lettuce contains 80 calories of food energy. According to Cornell ecologist David Pimentel, growing, chilling, washing, packaging, and transporting that box of organic salad to a plate on the East Coast takes more than 4,600 calories of fossil fuel energy, or 57 calories of fossil fuel for every calorie of food.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Food production often uses far more energy than the food itself provides, highlighting inefficiencies in the supply chain.
In simple terms: Food production uses more energy than the food itself.
Key Takeaway
Consider the hidden energy costs of what you eat.
Themes
environment
energy
food systems
sustainability
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
analytical
Type
informative
educational
critical.
When to use this quote
- grocery shopping
- menu planning
- policy advocacy
- personal diet choices
Key Concepts
life-cycle analysis
energy return on investment
industrial agriculture
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you account for energy use when choosing foods?
- What alternatives reduce hidden energy costs?
A Different Perspective
The calculation may vary by region and farming practices, and some methods are more efficient.