This is a course project where we used LCA to analyze the environmental impact of produce packaging. Although plastic packaging has gained negative reputation due to its various environmental impacts, it also provides valuable function of extending produce shelflife, which could reduce food waste. In this project we evaluated if modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is environmentally beneficial to three fresh produces–asparagus, bell pepper, and tomato. See the project article for detailed results and discussion.
Do you happen to know the nature of water or the moon? Water is always on the run like this, but never lost in its course; the moon always waxes and wanes like that, but never out of its sphere. When viewed from a changing perspective, the universe can hardly be the same even within a blink of an eye, But when looked at from an unchanging perspective, everything conserves itself, and so do we. Therefore, what’s in them to be admired? Besides, in this universe, everything has its rightful owner. If something does not belong to you, then you shall not even have a bit of it. Only the refreshing breeze on the river and the bright moon over the hills are an exception. If you can hear it, it is a sound to you; if you can see it, it is a view to you. It never ends and is never exhausted. It is the infinite treasure granted to us by our Creator for both of us to enjoy. – Su Shi, Ode to the Red Cliff