Gases from wasted milk as bad as 20,000 cars

A STUDY by Edinburgh University has revealed that milk poured down Britain’s kitchen sinks creates an annual carbon footprint equivalent to the exhaust emissions of 20,000 cars.

Scientists say the 360,000 tonnes of milk wasted in the UK each year create greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 100,000 tonnes of CO2.

Researchers also claim that halving the amount of chicken consumed in the UK and other developed countries to the levels consumed in Japan could cut greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 10 million cars off the road.

The research identifies ways that consumers could also help curb greenhouse gas emissions – by reducing the amount of food they buy, serve and waste.

Demand for food, particularly meat, is expected to increase over the next few decades as the world’s population continues to grow.

The researchers, collaborating with the University of Aberdeen and partners in Europe and the US, arrived at their findings by examining data for global agricultural production of greenhouse gases together with consumption of food in various regions of the world.

Study leader Dr David Reay of Edinburgh University said: “Eating less meat and wasting less food can play a big part in helping to keep a lid on greenhouse gas emissions.”