BC Gala Apple
Role in Oil: An apple is a whole food, therefore fossil fuel are substantially decreased because the apple requires no processing and little packaging.
However, in order to have fresh, crispy apples year round, apples are stored in a cold storage room. Cold-store rooms are modified atmospheres that require fossil fuels however, don’t require as many as freezing or canning. Cold storage usually requires the room to be between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius for 0-6 months (Library for Farming, 2011).
Apples are washed and shined before being delivered to the stores.
I did not buy an organic apple, however after much research I realize that inorganic fertilizers are a major contributor to energy use.
Delivery: Buying local apples is essential. If a company is going to cold freeze them in order to keep them fresh then purchasing a BC apple is a must. Even though Washington is close to Vancouver, supporting local products is important.
Kelowna BC to Vancouver BC- 393 km. aprox.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl&q=kelowna%20to%20vancouver
Packaging:Most apples are bought bulk and have travelled to the store in cardboard boxes. Occasionally apples can be purchased in plastic bags.
Multimedia: Interesting article on BC Tree Fruit Industry
This s an intersting article on fossil fuels and energy used in cool storage facilities.
http://www.fpeac.org/fruit/EnergyEfficiencyinFruitandVegetableProcessing.pdf
Reference
https://blogs.ubc.ca/linds9/wp-admin/post.php?post=36&action=edit