Question 1: Define the term 'sustainable food'. Why is it important to consider sustainability when choosing food products?

Answer: Sustainable food refers to food produced in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It is important because it helps preserve natural resources, reduces environmental impact, and supports ethical farming practices.

Question 2: List three environmental benefits of choosing locally produced food over imported food.

Answer: 1. Reduced carbon emissions due to shorter transportation distances. 2. Support for local ecosystems and biodiversity. 3. Less packaging waste associated with long-distance shipping.

Question 3: Explain how reducing food waste can contribute to sustainability. Include two specific ways this can be achieved.

Answer: Reducing food waste conserves resources used in production, transportation, and storage, thereby lowering environmental impact. It can be achieved by planning meals carefully to avoid excess, and by properly storing leftovers for future use.

Question 4: Describe the concept of 'food miles' and discuss its relevance to sustainable food choices.

Answer: Food miles refer to the distance food travels from production to consumer. Reducing food miles can lower greenhouse gas emissions, making food choices more sustainable by supporting local produce and reducing environmental impact.

Question 5: Identify two disadvantages of relying heavily on imported foods in terms of sustainability.

Answer: 1. Increased carbon footprint due to transportation. 2. Potential strain on global resources and ecosystems, and reduced support for local farmers.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram showing the main stages involved in producing a sustainable food product, from farm to plate. Label each stage clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would include stages such as: 1. Sustainable farming practices, 2. Harvesting, 3. Transportation, 4. Processing, 5. Packaging, 6. Retail, 7. Consumer use. Each stage should be connected with arrows showing the flow from farm to plate.

Question 7: Suggest two ways consumers can make more sustainable food choices at the grocery store.

Answer: 1. Buying seasonal and locally produced foods. 2. Choosing products with minimal packaging or eco-friendly packaging.

Question 8: Discuss the role of organic farming in promoting sustainability. Include at least one advantage and one challenge.

Answer: Organic farming promotes sustainability by avoiding synthetic chemicals and encouraging biodiversity, which benefits ecosystems. A challenge is that organic products can be more expensive and have lower yields, making them less accessible.

Question 9: Identify and explain one ethical consideration related to sustainable food production.

Answer: One ethical consideration is fair treatment and fair wages for farm workers, ensuring that food production does not exploit labor, which supports social sustainability.

Question 10: Imagine you are designing a new sustainable snack product. Sketch a rough design of the packaging, considering environmental factors. Describe the key features your packaging would have.

Answer: A suitable sketch would include biodegradable or recyclable materials, minimal packaging design to reduce waste, and clear labeling indicating eco-friendly features. The description should mention using recycled paper or compostable plastics and designing for reusability or easy recycling.