While cooking oil may seem insignificant, its production deeply influences global carbon emissions. This article highlights which oils are the most sustainable choices, emphasizing canola and sunflower as the best options for reducing your carbon footprint.
The Climate Impact of Cooking Oils: Choosing Wisely for a Sustainable Kitchen
The Climate Impact of Cooking Oils: Choosing Wisely for a Sustainable Kitchen
Discover which cooking oils are better for the environment and can help mitigate climate change while you cook.
When you think about contributing to climate change, it might not occur to you that the cooking oil in your kitchen plays a part. However, the environmental footprint of oils is significant; agriculture contributes about one-third of global carbon emissions, with a large fraction of that stemming from oil crop cultivation. Almost 20 percent of the world’s cropland is devoted to oil crops, revealing the scale of this issue.
Not all cooking oils, however, are created equal. Some options are indeed better for the planet than others. A groundbreaking study from 2022 ranks them according to their environmental impact, helping consumers make better choices.
The facts are striking: four crop types dominate the global edible oil market, comprising over 85 percent of production—namely, palm, soy, canola, and sunflower oils. Additional oils like peanut, coconut, and olive follow, with others such as corn and avocado making up a tiny fraction.
According to the 2022 study, canola and sunflower oils stand out as the most environmentally friendly choices available. They offer a promising balance between utility in cooking and a lighter touch on the Earth, making them the go-to options for consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing flavor or functionality in their culinary endeavors.
By being mindful of the cooking oils we choose, we can collectively make a significant impact on our planet's health—one splash at a time.
