The Sweet’s Impact on the Environment and the Children

Who doesn’t love a good snack or dessert? From the indulgence of a chocolate bar to the comfort of a cookie, sweets are a universal joy. But have you ever stopped to think about how these treats are impacting the planet?

As climate change and environmental issues become more urgent, it’s time to take a closer look at how the sweets industry contributes to environmental challenges—and what we can do about it. In this blog, we’ll explore the environmental footprint of sweets and how both consumers and companies are working to protect the planet, one snack at a time.

The Environmental Impact of Sweets

From cocoa farms in West Africa to sugar cane fields in Brazil, the production of ingredients used in sweets stretches across the globe. The environmental impact of snack production is surprisingly large. While snacks may seem small, they’re consumed by people worldwide. When you examine more closely about the production process, it’s easy to see why!

1.Deforestation from Cocoa and Palm Oil Production

Cocoa and palm oil are used in everything from chocolate to cookies, but their cultivation has led to the destruction of tropical rainforests. This harmful trend is especially prevalent in West Africa and Southeast Asia.

For example, Cocoa farming can lead to the loss of biodiversity-rich rainforests.

More and more land is cleared for cocoa plantations, putting wildlife habitats at risk. Around 70% of the country’s illegal deforestation is related to cocoa farming. As you know, trees absorb CO2, but with the reduction in trees, that CO2 is released back into the atmosphere.

Moreover, we must not overlook the labor issues present in the cocoa industry. Cocoa farmers in West Africa often rely on child labor for tasks like growing, harvesting, and transporting cocoa beans. In the 2013-14 growing season alone, it’s estimated that around 2 million children were involved in hazardous labor across Ghana and Ivory Coast.

2.Water Footprint of Sugar

Another key ingredient in sweets is sugar.

Sugar production requires a substantial amount of water, putting a strain on local water resources.

In some regions, over-extraction of water for agriculture is leading to the depletion of rivers and lakes, harming both people and wildlife.

Growing sugarcane also contributes to about 400 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually.

Like cocoa, sugarcane plantations contribute to deforestation. The countries that cultivate sugarcane often rely on monoculture farming and find it difficult to halt its expansion.

3. Packaging Waste

Think about all the candy wrappers, chocolate boxes, and cookie bags you’ve discarded over the years. Most of this packaging is single-use plastic that ends up in landfills or, worse, in the ocean.

Once they’re made, most sweets are packaged in plastic, foil, or other materials.

The packaging industry alone adds about 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 to the atmosphere every year.

A survey indicates that annual greenhouse gas emissions linked to food packaging from Online Food Delivery Services (OFDS) in Australia are expected to increase by 132% by 2024.

The sweets industry, with its reliance on plastic packaging, is a significant contributor to this growing problem.

As I’ve mentioned in other articles, plastic pollution is a major environmental crisis. Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans. Whales, turtles, and seabirds often mistake plastic for food, which can be fatal.

The Shift Towards Sustainable Sweets

The good news is that change is happening. Both companies and consumers are beginning to acknowledge the importance of adopting more sustainable practices in the sweets industry.

1. Sustainable Cocoa and Palm Oil

Many companies are now sourcing these ingredients from farms that follow environmentally friendly practices. The examples are Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance. Their certifications ensure that cocoa is grown without contributing to deforestation or the exploitation of labor.

Launched in January 2020, the Cocoa Platform advocates for a sustainable cocoa industry by tackling challenges such as poverty, deforestation, and child labor. It boasts over 48 member organizations and 94 individuals who are actively engaged in its initiatives.

2.Reducing Water Usage

Some companies are investing in water-saving technologies and sustainable farming practices to reduce the amount of water used in sugar production. For instance, drip irrigation systems can significantly cut down water waste by delivering water directly to the roots of plants, reducing evaporation.

In addition, efforts are being made to improve the efficiency of water use in the manufacturing process. Factories are adopting closed-loop water systems, which recycle water used in production rather than discharging it as waste. This not only reduces the amount of water consumed but also prevents pollution of nearby water bodies.          

On the other hand, certain species are also attracting attention from scientists. For example, it takes 50% more land to produce cane sugar in Brazil than it does to produce beet sugar.

In terms of water use, the Netherlands and Brazil require little water to produce sugar: two liters per kg for beet sugar and 40 liters for Brazilian cane sugar. However, Indian cane sugar is extremely water-intensive, requiring more than 1,000 liters of water to produce a kilogram of sugar.

3. Eco-Friendly Packaging

The issue of plastic waste has become a hot topic in recent years, and the sweets industry is starting to respond. Some companies are moving away from single-use plastic and exploring eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable materials.

For example, in EU new rules were set:

・The rules set targets for packaging reduction (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040) and mandate that EU countries specifically reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste.

・To minimize unnecessary packaging, a maximum empty space ratio of 50% has been established for grouped, transport, and e-commerce packaging.

What Can We Do as a Consumer?

Even if the environmental impact may seem small, it’s still essential that we take action. We need to be mindful of our waste, choose sustainable products, and support brands that use eco-friendly packaging.

However, there are limits to the changes we can make individually, so collaboration is crucial to improving the world. For instance, Carbon Da Capo is assisting organizations that manage carbon emissions. You, too, can contribute to a greener environment through your efforts.

You can start taking action at any time. Let’s work together to make a difference!