How do fruits and vegetables differ in their impact on the environment?

Fruits and vegetables differ in their impact on the environment due to various factors such as production, transportation, and waste. While both are generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than animal products, there are some key differences between the two.

Fruit production often requires more resources, such as water and fertilizer, than vegetable production. In addition, fruits are often transported over long distances, which can result in a higher carbon footprint. However, fruits tend to have a longer shelf life than vegetables, which means they may produce less waste.

Vegetables, on the other hand, tend to require less water and fertilizer than fruit production. In addition, many vegetables can be grown locally, which reduces transportation emissions. However, vegetables tend to have a shorter shelf life than fruits, which means they may produce more waste.

Overall, both fruits and vegetables can be part of a sustainable and environmentally-friendly diet, but choosing locally grown, in-season produce and reducing food waste can help to reduce their impact on the environment.