Question 1: Define 'sustainable food' and explain why it is important for the environment.

Answer: Sustainable food refers to food produced in ways that meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It is important because it helps reduce environmental damage, conserves resources, and supports biodiversity.

Question 2: List three examples of foods that are generally considered sustainable options and briefly justify your choices.

Answer: Examples include: (1) Lentils – require less water and land compared to meat; (2) Seasonal vegetables – grown locally and in season, reducing transportation emissions; (3) Farmed fish like herring – sustainable harvesting practices support marine ecosystems.

Question 3: Describe how choosing locally produced foods can contribute to sustainability.

Answer: Locally produced foods reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, support local economies, and often require fewer preservatives and packaging, making them more environmentally friendly.

Question 4: Explain the concept of 'food miles' and how it relates to sustainable eating.

Answer: Food miles refer to the distance food travels from production to consumer. Fewer food miles generally mean lower carbon emissions, making the food more sustainable.

Question 5: Identify and explain two ethical considerations related to sustainable food choices.

Answer: Ethical considerations include animal welfare, ensuring animals are raised humanely, and fair trade practices, which ensure farmers receive fair wages and work in good conditions.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram showing the life cycle of a sustainable vegetable, from planting to consumption. Label each stage clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would include: seed planting, growth/harvesting, transportation, cooking/preparation, and consumption. Labels should specify each stage.

Question 7: Compare the environmental impacts of consuming plant-based foods versus meat-based foods.

Answer: Plant-based foods generally have lower environmental impacts, requiring less water, land, and energy, and producing fewer greenhouse gases compared to meat-based foods, which are resource-intensive and contribute more to climate change.

Question 8: Suggest three strategies a household could adopt to make their diet more sustainable.

Answer: Strategies include: (1) Reducing meat consumption; (2) Buying seasonal and local produce; (3) Minimising food waste by planning meals and using leftovers wisely.

Question 9: Discuss how food packaging impacts sustainability and suggest ways to reduce this impact.

Answer: Food packaging contributes to waste and pollution. To reduce impact, choose products with minimal or biodegradable packaging, reuse containers, and buy in bulk to lessen packaging waste.

Question 10: Identify one challenge of increasing sustainable food production and propose a possible solution.

Answer: Challenge: Higher costs associated with sustainable farming practices. Solution: Government subsidies or incentives for farmers adopting sustainable methods can make it financially viable.