Understanding the environmental impact of food consumption is essential for addressing climate change and water scarcity. This study investigates the carbon and water footprints (WFs) of dietary habits in Italy, identifying sociodemographic and dietary determinants influencing these impacts. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the nationally representative Italian National Food Consumption Survey (INRAN-SCAI) 2005-06, which included 2831 participants. Daily food intake was multiplied by environmental coefficients from the SU-EATABLE LIFE database to estimate carbon (kg CO2 eq) and water (l) footprints. We used multiple regression models to assess associations between environmental indicators and individual characteristics, including age, sex, education, body mass index, geographical area, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD). The mean daily carbon footprint (CF) was 3.53 kg CO2 eq, and the mean WF was 3331 l. Animal-based food groups were the main contributors to both footprints, particularly meat, which accounted for 6.87% of the total CF and 27.54% of the total WF, and dairy products, contributing 20.0% to CF and 21.3% to WF. Higher adherence to the MD was associated with lower carbon (9.84 vs 11.01 kg CO2 eq) and WFs (9356.0 vs 10 348.3 l). Multiple analysis showed this association remained significant for both carbon (β = -0.239) and WFs (β = -206.4), independent of energy intake. Animal-based foods and specific sociodemographic factors substantially influence the environmental impact of diet. Promoting Mediterranean-style, plant-based diet through targeted policies for specific populations could enhance environmental sustainability.
Lacalaprice et al. (2026) studied this question.