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Dietary Carbon Footprint Assessment Among College Students: A Food Diary Analysis of Sustainability and Nutrition Patterns

Dr. Khushi Kashyap, Assistant Professor, School of Wellness

AAFT University, Raipur, India, 492001

Email of corresponding Author: khushi.kashyap@aaft.edu.in

Abstract

Dietary choices play a critical role in both personal health and environmental sustainability. Quantifying the carbon footprint of individual diets provides actionable insights for promoting sustainable nutrition. This study aimed to estimate the dietary carbon footprint of college students and analyse the impact of plant-based versus animal-based meals, as well as the frequency of processed food consumption, on overall sustainability. Thirty college students participated in a cross-sectional observational study, recording all foods and beverages consumed over three consecutive days using detailed food diaries. Each food item was assigned a carbon footprint value (in kg CO₂-equivalents) using standardised databases. The total dietary carbon footprint for each participant was calculated and analysed in relation to meal composition and the level of food processing.

Preliminary analysis revealed substantial variation in dietary carbon footprints, with plant-based meals consistently associated with lower emissions compared to animal-based meals. Frequent consumption of processed foods contributed to higher carbon footprints, while diets rich in minimally processed, plant-based foods demonstrated improved sustainability profiles. Comparative and correlation analyses highlighted the significant environmental impact of dietary patterns within the campus community. The findings underscore the importance of dietary choices in reducing individual carbon footprints and advancing sustainability goals. Promoting plant-based, minimally processed foods among college students can serve as an effective strategy for improving both nutritional quality and environmental outcomes.

Keywords: carbon footprint, college students, food diary, plant-based diet, animal-based diet, processed foods, sustainability, nutrition, environmental impact