Greenies call for 2012 Olympics to go organic

As we've heard numerous times, the 2012 Olympics games in London plans to be the 'greenest games in modern times' and according to the Feeding the Olympics report launched today by the Soil Association, Sustain and new economics foundation (nef) it won't be possible to achieve that without making the grub consumed before, during and after the games organic, seasonal and local.

The three organisations will, in true sportsmanship-style, challenge the organisers and two of the major sponsors of the Olympics -- McDonald's and Coca Cola -- with the goal that "all caterers for the games should be required to promote local, seasonal, healthy and organic produce -- and sponsors should take a lead in doing this."

According to previous research from the Soil Association, organic food produces around 30 per cent less CO2 [Word doc] than conventional food. Add that to the environmental and economic benefits of local and seasonal food, plus the fact that we're talking more than 14 million meals, and it becomes apparent just how much difference it would make if the greenies win this game.

Peter Melchett, policy director at the Soil Association says: "If London is going to be the greenest games ever, they have to tackle the 30 per cent of our personal carbon footprint which comes from food. And if the Olympics want to avoid looking silly in the face of the obesity crisis now affecting most of the world, they must promote healthy as well as sustainable food. The UK promised 'local, seasonal and organic' -- now they must deliver."

Jim Sumberg from the nef adds: "A focus on food should be a high-profile element of the regeneration agenda allied to the Olympics. There is a real opportunity to create a unique legacy that combines thriving local economies and improved well-being."

May the best food win.

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