Most people don’t realize just how much their grocery list impacts the planet. From the food we buy to the packaging it comes in, every purchase contributes in some way to the state of our environment. Agriculture, in particular, plays a central role — influencing land use, water resources, wildlife habitats, and global emissions. Understanding these connections helps consumers make smarter, more sustainable choices.

The Global Footprint of Agriculture

Agriculture now dominates the Earth’s surface, taking up about half of all habitable land. It also consumes 70% of the planet’s available freshwater and contributes roughly one-quarter of total greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond that, it’s responsible for about 78% of freshwater and marine eutrophication — the buildup of excess nutrients that can harm aquatic ecosystems.

The effects extend beyond water and air quality. Livestock, for example, make up over 90% of the world’s mammal biomass, far outweighing all wild mammals combined. This massive shift has altered natural ecosystems and placed thousands of wildlife species at risk. In fact, agriculture is now considered a leading driver behind the decline of more than 28,000 threatened species worldwide.

From Wilderness to Farmland

A thousand years ago, almost all habitable land on Earth — areas not covered by ice or desert — was wild. Forests, grasslands, and other natural habitats thrived. Today, more than half of that same land has been converted into farmland to sustain a growing population. Forests still cover much of what remains, with about 10% occupied by grasslands and shrubs, 1% by freshwater, and another 1% by urban infrastructure such as roads and cities.

This transformation has enabled human progress but at a significant ecological cost. As natural habitats shrink, biodiversity decreases, and soil and water resources are placed under increasing stress.

Why Meat Consumption Matters

Raising animals for food uses far more land than growing crops for direct human consumption. Pastures and fields dedicated to producing animal feed occupy over three-quarters of all agricultural land — yet these efforts provide less than 20% of the calories people consume.

Reducing meat consumption and incorporating more plant-based foods can make a meaningful difference. Even modest shifts toward plant-forward diets help lower global demand for livestock, freeing up land and resources that could otherwise support reforestation and habitat restoration.

Simple Steps Consumers Can Take

You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to make a difference. Small, consistent choices can collectively reduce your environmental footprint:

• Choose local foods: Buying from nearby farms reduces transportation emissions and supports regional economies.
• Opt for sustainable packaging: Look for brands using recyclable, compostable, or minimal packaging materials.
• Rethink transportation: Walk, bike, or combine errands to reduce vehicle trips.
• Shop mindfully: Plan meals to reduce food waste, and consider plant-based options more often.

Every purchase is an opportunity to promote sustainability. By paying attention to how products are made, transported, and packaged, consumers can play a key role in shaping a food system that sustains both people and the planet.

For more on this, check out the infographic below from Green Rabbit, a cold chain logistics services company.