Questions such as how far has the food in my lunchbox travelled and what is the carbon footprint of my breakfast, will be answered today (Thursday 10 July), at an event hosted by the University of Aberdeen.
Designed to educate youngsters on the environmental impact of the food we eat, the Better by Miles event takes place as part of the Planet Plant summer project – a series of entertaining and interactive activities organised by the University of Aberdeen Natural History Centre.
Taking place at the David Welch Winter Gardens at Duthie Park, Better by Miles sees youngsters take part in the food miles debate, set in a mock up of a television programme studio recording. Meals will be created using local and international produce and the audience will be tasked with calculating the food miles of each meal created, based on how far the ingredients have travelled.
Better by Miles is created and performed by Live Wire Productions an Aberdeen based mobile theatre company which aims to promote health, citizenship and environmental issues through the medium of the performing arts.
The session has been sponsored by the University of Aberdeen, Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health.
Dr Andy Schofield, the University's Academic Coordinator - Promoting Science, said: "The Planet Plant summer project is designed to educate and engage young people with the subject of science. The Better by Miles session is just one of the ways we are using interactive and entertaining activities and events to raise awareness of crucial issues such as the environment.
"It is essential that we educate the next generation and develop their understanding of how our actions and choices - such as the food we eat - actually have a globally significant impact. By promoting internationally significant issues through the medium of fun, engaging and educational sessions, we hope we will enable these youngsters to make well informed judgements in the future."
Vanessa Chew, Chief Executive, Live Wire Productions said: "Using the scenario of a live studio television recording, the audience are asked to choose between two meals – one using local produce and the other using produce shipped to the UK from across the globe. Real life details such as a TV camera, a mock up set and actors playing the roles of the floor manager and TV chef make the session realistic, allowing the youngsters to really get involved. The event is highly entertaining whilst, most importantly, simplifying and tackling a globally significant subject. "
The Planet Plant summer project continues every Monday to Friday until the 25 July at the David Welch Winter Gardens, Duthie Park, Aberdeen. Planet Plant is free and open to all ages, however children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information please see: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/nhc/holiday.shtml
ENDS