Junk food is an inevitable part of our lives, whether it be seeing the blazing harsh advertisements in dozens of chain branches, or actually eating them ourselves. We?re told of the health negative consequences it brings, but in reality, there?s much more to it than personal impacts. It?s also the surrounding environment we live in.

Experts who conducted this study of the relation between junk food and environmental hazards have found that a staggering statistic of 33-39% of water, energy usage as well as greenhouse gas emissions are constituted of the food. People must also note that the production of food is not only the main aspect, but it is also the care for the animals by providing them with food and water for survival. This is extremely worrying, considering that in current 21st century world events, there is already sufficient over-exploitation of natural resources. As a matter of fact two thirds of the world?s resources are no longer available to us because of man made innovations. That includes fast food itself, and as taste trumps well being in the culinary world, more of such demand is not a good sign as of now.

Why do junk food have the most critical impact to the environment in our daily lives however? For clarification purposes, its definition is ?foods which have low nutritional value but are high in saturated fats, sugars, and salts which may harm the body.? One reason is that of its popularity. It?s packaging (mainly plastic which is unsustainable) or other modes of preparation are easy to access and its flavorings as stated in the aforementioned are appealing to the tastes. Another reason is that of the manufacturing process. Research is currently being conducted to find the relation between junk food to more energy which it does show, and this may even apply to land and water consumption as well. Similarly, more agricultural production is needed to process down nutrients leading to environmental consequences.

Governmental organizations, realizing such concerns, are analyzing and enforcing implementations to mitigate such issues. One example is that of Australia?s Guide to Healthy Eating, where in which national recommendations in the form of advertisements and campaigning emphasized the need to consume more grains, vegetables, and fruits, while less of meat, fish and dairy products. Reports by Sweden officials have taken note on statistical crises to evaluate their situation while creating brochures in the same process while scholars in Brazil and the Netherlands have undertaken research papers for publication purposes. On another note, food subsidies and taxes, as well as labels are placed where appropriate.