Shelling out for Easter eggs can hit our carbon footprint

Even Easter eggs have faced a coronavirus crackdown after police and local councils told some stores that those chocolates were considered non-essential goods.

But the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) blamed “overzealous enforcement and a misreading of the rules” and said shopkeepers could carry on selling a full range of items. 

They pointed out that the government has defined which businesses can remain open, and that includes convenience stores, newsagents and off-licences. Also, there is no official definition of which products owners can sell.

Although that is good news for chocolate lovers with Easter this weekend it is not the same for the environment, said Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox.

He pointed out that a study by scientists at Manchester University has discovered that the ingredients and processes of the chocolate industry generate almost the same amount of greenhouse gases in 12 months as the total emitted by Malta in a year. 

The results, published in the Food Research International Journal, show that the confectionery businesses produce 2.1 million tons of greenhouse gases with their packaging, production and growing of ingredients per annum, compared to the Mediterranean island’s almost 2.3 million tons. 

“It raises the question of what we eat so as to minimise our carbon footprint,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science and Innovation Park. 

Already one of the big players, Mars, said they were aiming to use 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025 or earlier.

“Meanwhile, householders could obviously buy only Fair Trade or organic Easter eggs with biodegradable or recyclable packaging,” said Ron. 

 “However, until the whole confectionery industry cuts back on its carbon-making production processes, there are other ways of protecting the environment for chocolate lovers.”

He said one way was by installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which capture energy from the sun and then convert it into energy for the home.

The advantages are that being self-sufficient gives householders the freedom from continuing rising energy prices in the future. Even better people will save money on their energy bills.

Householders could also insulate and draught-proof their home. Around seven million properties in the UK with solid walls have little or no insulation. 

Yet spray foaming the loft, inside walls and the outside walls can cut bills by up to 45 per cent and reduce the energy needed for heating. 

As well as creating a warm and cosy draught-proof home it also adds a protective barrier against the cold, noise and air pollutants.

“And even with the lockdown new technology means the surveys can be done remotely to give people an idea of the costs,” added Ron.

For more advice on solar panels, insulation and other green energy matters contact Ron on 01782 756995.