Coolfood Meals
Agriculture and related land-use change (e.g., deforestation) account for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At CDS, we strive to reduce our impact on the global carbon footprint. This is why we’re partnering with the World Resources Institute to offer Coolfood Meals on our residential menus.
What are Coolfood Meals?
Coolfood is a recipe certification program created by the World Resources Institute (WRI) that identifies meals that are nutritious and low-carbon, so you can feel confident that your meal is healthy for both you and the climate.
Looking for low-carbon meals? You can use “Coolfood” as a dietary filter on our online menu, and you can find the Coolfood icons on signs in the dining halls.
At CDS, we are striving to reduce our own carbon footprint, and we know you may be doing the same. This is why we offer Coolfood Meals: to make low-carbon eating easy for our guests!
Why is climate friendly eating so important?
The global carbon footprint of the food industry calls for diligent change. As eaters, we have the power to choose foods whose production processes demand low emissions and low land usage. For example, the production of beef produces over 20 times more greenhouse gases than the production of soy protein.
Dishes that contain beef, lamb, and dairy generally have a higher carbon footprint than vegetables, legumes, and grains. However, Coolfood Meals aren’t strictly vegetarian or vegan! A Cool Food meal might be “plant-forward,” meaning that vegetables, beans, and whole grains are more prominent on the plate.
How are Coolfood Meals determined?
In line with climate scientists’ recommendations, the WRI has established a maximum recommended daily carbon footprint for a person’s diet, which is 38% smaller than the average diet in 2015. Coolfood meals are expert-certified to help avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
To calculate the carbon footprint of a dish, the WRI considers the land use and supply chain of every ingredient. Certified Coolfood Meals must have carbon footprints that fall below an established per-meal threshold:
-A breakfast portion must emit less than 3.81 kg COշ to be considered a Coolfood Meal.
-A lunch or dinner portion must emit less than 5.71 kg COշ to be considered a Coolfood Meal.
The Coolfood program also requires each recipe to meet a set of nutritional safeguards to receive the certification. This includes minimizing sodium, sugar, and saturated fats, while maximizing fruits, vegetables, protein and fiber. Secondary to the carbon standards, these nutritional safeguards are meant to acknowledge human health as a valuable component of environmental health.
How can I find Coolfood Meals on the menu?
You can use “Coolfood” as a dietary filter on our online menu, and you can find the Coolfood icons on digital menu boards in the dining halls.
Learn more at https://coolfood.org/