How Sustainable is My Food?
There is now widespread recognition that the global food system is unsustainable, particularly in the context of climate change. This means it is responsible for adverse environmental and social impacts. An important question each individual should ask, and answer, is: how sustainable is my food?
This programe is aimed for anyone passionate about making informed and responsible choices within the food system. It is particularly relevant for individuals pursuing careers in environmental science, agriculture, nutrition, public policy, and sustainability, as well as those working in food production, retail, and supply chain management. Anyone with an interest in understanding the environmental and social impacts of food—from climate-conscious consumers to advocates for ethical food systems—will benefit from the critical skills and insights offered by this course. Whether you aim to reduce your personal carbon footprint, influence policy, or drive change in the food industry, this module provides essential tools and knowledge to support sustainable decision-making in food consumption and production.
How will the course benefit my career/organisation?
This programme offers learners a unique opportunity to gain a deep understanding of food sustainability and the complex, interconnected impacts of the global food system. By analyzing the carbon footprint, water footprint, and land use associated with food production and consumption, learners will develop practical skills to assess the sustainability of their own diets. They will gain insights into how individual and collective food choices influence climate change, biodiversity, and resource distribution, both locally and globally. With these skills and insights, learners gain valuable insights to become advocates for responsible and sustainable food choices in both their professional and personal lives.
Why this Mirco-credential?
This module will explore the evidence to help us answer this and related questions including:
- Is the food we choose to eat contributing to climate change and causing impacts, in Ireland and beyond, that will result in future generations inheriting a significantly degraded environment?
- Is the food we eat supplied to us at prices we are willing to pay due to social exploitation?
- Is the food we have access to needlessly wasted?
Module participants will also examine their own diet and work out what kind of impacts they have. Finally, we will explore the possibility of fixing the food system so that we can eat sustainable food.
What will I learn?
On completion of this module you should be able to:
- Explain the difference between a food item, a meal and a diet
- Outline the reasons for considering both sustainability and nutrition when evaluating which foods to eat
- Explain the environmental impacts caused by the food system, and the choice of foods you eat
- Record and evaluate the food you eat and identify options to reduce the adverse impacts of your food
Course Information
AWARD TYPE: NFQ Level 8
LOCATION: Online
DURATION: 12 weeks, Thursdays at 5pm
START DATE: 20th January 2025
COST: €650
Application Deadline: 10th January 2025
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Email: microcredentials@ucd.ie
