Estimating the Carbon Footprint of Florida Orange Juice

Abstract

This study is a part of a comprehensive study which attempts to create a baseline of global warming impact (expressed in total greenhouse gas emission and measured in terms of carbon equivalent) associated with the production and consumption of a gallon of orange juice available in the form of NFC (Not from Concentrate) and FCOJ (Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice) in Florida. A detailed life

cycle approach is adopted and greenhouse gas emissions of all the steps in the supply chain starting from citrus nursery management to the point where customer purchases juice from a food store are considered. This study reports total greenhouse gas emission related with the management of an acre orange grove under the two scenarios of with and without resetting of trees lost due to normal attrition. It was found that total emission of greenhouse gas (carbon equivalent) for one gallon of orange juice produced under the scenarios of without and with resetting was 1.92 and 1.60 pounds, respectively. Carbon sequestered in orange trees was not considered in the present study.