ENVL 4300: Environmental Issues

The Ecological Footprint of Orange juice

Nick Snyder
March 13th, 2016

Table of Contents

Abstract......................................... 3
Introduction...................................4
Agricultural Aspect......................5
Fertilizer Use.................................5
Pesticides/ Pest Management.......7
Natural Processes..........................8
Sugar..............................................8
Additives........................................9
The Processing Plant....................9
Packaging......................................11
The Carton........................11
The Cap.............................11
Transportation/Distribution........12
Disposal.............................13
Conclusion.....................................13
References.....................................14

Abstract

Orange Juice is known as one of the key components of slogan a nutritious part of this
balanced breakfast. That being minor, it shows insight as to the importance and use of this
product on a global scale. Orange Juice is one of the most common household beverages across
the United States and other countries alike. It is often consumed daily and sometimes as frequent
as multiple times a day. It provides a various well known array of vitamins and minerals. Thus,
something of this standard would have multiple parameters involving its ecological footprint.
An ecological footprint accounts for the impact of human activities measured in terms of the area
of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to
assimilate the wastes generated (WWF, 2016). Mainly the primary focus is carbon emissions
and how all parameters such as agriculture, transportation, distribution, processing, packaging,
additives, and disposal all impact this overall calculation of its ecological footprint. By
assessing these contributors we can gain insight as to what is negatively impacting our
environment and how possible best management practices and experiments can be developed to
help prevent further damage.

Introduction

Simply orange? A slogan chosen by a self explanatory product, yes maybe it is just
orange juice. Or a good question may be to wonder where in fact that product came from or the
complex process it possibly underwent to be made into that container you are holding as you are
contemplating what to have for breakfast. Orange Juice is a very common ingredient in the
average persons balanced breakfast which has proposed the inevitable question for products in
this day and age. That question being, what possible impact does this item have on our
environment?
Simply based off a loose interpretation of that question, scientists have developed
theories and ideas as to how we can factor all potential impacts a product may have towards our
environment. This term is called the ecological footprint. The simplest way to define
ecological footprint would be to call it the impact of human activities measured in terms of the
area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to
assimilate the wastes generated (WWF, 2016). The parameters of our simple household orange
juice container include: the oranges and the agricultural needs and processes that must be done to
produce our key ingredient, any additives to that juice if it is not 100% fruit juice (sugars, syrups,
etc.), the container it comes in, the distribution of that container, and the eventual disposal of that
container. Now by analyzing all of these parameters an ecological footprint can be estimated in
terms of carbon emissions as well as water usage. The carbon and water footprints of orange
juice are both necessary for analyzing due to the large usage of both. Carbon can be mostly
contributed to the respiration of the orange tree planting process, the distribution, and the

disposal. While water is mostly linked to primarily the irrigation and agricultural processes that
involve growing the oranges. Overall by assessing all of these factors we can gain insight as to

how we can come to a conclusion as to what is the overall ecological footprint of a container of
orange juice.
The Agricultural Aspect of Orange Juice
It is no surprise that the main contributor of orange juices ecological footprint is the long
agricultural process that it undergoes. The orange tree, which is on the larger side, generally is
grown in warmer climates around the globe. Within the United States, Florida and California are
the two premiere states for setting up large scale orange tree farms. The orange is a subtropical
plant that needs to reside in an average temperature range of 55-100 degrees Fahrenheit. These
trees tend to grow healthier within areas that have a Lakeland fine sand soil type (Florida) or a
deep loam (California) where there is appropriately greater depths for root development as well
as having well-drained qualities. Orange trees will not develop properly in areas where soils
have high water retention properties at shallow depths. Based off that knowledge the favorable
annual precipitation values vary from 5-20 inches. Although they are often grown in areas that
receive 40-60 inches of annual rainfall (Mordini, 2009).
Fertilizer Use:
Orange tree farms average an area of 50 acres with an extra five acres for roadways,
equipment, and shop area. This shows the potential magnitude that factors such as fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides, farming equipment, and total plant respiration can contribute to the overall
ecological footprint. Now from the aspect of fertilizer usage it is evident that indeed they are
needed for the growth process but in fact are directly linked to the overall ecological footprint.
Some of the large contributors to this ecological footprint are the chemical and mineral
fertilizers. Emissions resulting from such fertilizers include methane and carbon dioxide. Other
emissions include large quantities of ammonium nitrate which stems from the denitrification

stage that occurs within the soil profile. Carbon dioxide amounts to an estimated 55% of the
total greenhouse gas emissions while the production of ammonium nitrate accounts for nearly
35%. This shows that based on the scale of the average farm size that large quantities of
fertilizer will needed to maintain and operate these projects (Morton, 1987).
Other fertilizers such as manure can affect the concentration of carbon dioxide and
methane released. Manure naturally contains inorganic Nitrogen and microbial available sources
or carbon and water which then essentially produce ammonium nitrate and methane gas.
Therefore as farmers actively use manure management practices when fertilizing it can influence
the greenhouse gas emissions linked to the contribution of the ecological footprint.
Fertilizing is directly linked to the irrigation process that occurs throughout the growth of
orange trees. Water usage is greater in certain areas. When comparing Florida to California,
water usage in Florida is going to be much greater due to higher rain totals, humidity, and
Californias susceptibility to droughts. Within the USA it takes roughly 5000 meters cubed/
hectare of water to match the totals of average annual orange production. Thus showing how the
water footprint is effected through agricultural water usage and consistent irrigation (Mordini,
2009).
Lastly farming equipment is a key contributor to the ecological footprint from a pest and
fertilizer aspect. Roadways are regularly created throughout large scale grow operations (50+
acres of farmland) to make the farming process more efficient. These large tractors, trucks,
special tools, etc. all require a fuel source. This fuel source is generally going to run off
gasoline. The gasoline has been known to be either regular unleaded fuel or diesel. Gasoline is
one of the more obvious negative contributors to a substances ecological footprint. Various
emissions, mainly carbon, are attributed to the gasoline that is combusted and released via

exhaust. Daily operations such as maintenance, as well as weekly fertilizing, need these vehicles
to complete these process on the large scale they are presented in hence their contribution to the
overall ecological footprint.
Pesticides/ Pest Management:
Pesticides are commonly used when farming large quantities of cropland. Broad
spectrum pesticides are more commonly used simply based off the fact they will have a greater
impact on a larger range of weeds, insects, diseases, microorganisms, etc. Such emissions from
these pesticides are commonly known as volatile organic compounds (VOC) which contribute to
the formation of ground level ozone. This creates an interesting case due to under the Clean Air
Act because California is listed as a non attainment area. This means that California does not
meet the national ambient air quality standards for VOCs and being that California is one of the
two largest orange tree farm locations in the United States that this could shed potential insight
as to how this consistent use of broad spectrum pesticides could be linked to not only large scale
emissions but air quality as well (CADPR, 2016).
Most growers use air-blast sprayers for field application of foliar insecticides and
fungicides, while boom equipment is used for herbicides and soil-applied insecticides,
nematicides, and fungicides (UFL, 2015). From these previously mentioned chemicals, it is
evident that in the course of breakdown and manufacturing that will emit gases such as carbon
dioxide and nitrous oxide. The contribution of not just VOCs from these pests during the
application process but the sole manufacturing of the pesticides, prior to application, must factor
into the total ecological footprint. This is mainly because most of these broad spectrum
pesticides are necessary to some degree in varying cases. They can be applied for reasons such
as aesthetics, disease prevention, insect swarms, unnecessary weeds that surround the orange tree

base, etc. Simply put, the use of pesticides and fertilizers in modern farming is in fact looked at
as a necessity, with the except of alternative organic farming practices, therefore common
greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, ground-level ozone, and nitrogen oxide will
be emitted regularly as agricultural operations for oranges continue.
Natural Processes
Orange trees, believe or not, are plants. That being said, natural processes occurring
regularly throughout the growth process can produce carbon emissions. Processes such as
photosynthesis and plant respiration contribute to the release of carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere. This is because the plants will take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to create
sugars. Now with these newly produced sugars the plant will use them as an energy source
during respiration to generate energy for growth and maintenance. Even though the carbon
dioxide emissions from these processes have a lesser impact ,when compared others previously
mentioned, they must be accounted for in regards to the overall ecological footprint.
Sugar
Upon harvesting the oranges necessary to create the juice, large quantities of sugar are
often found in major orange juice labels (Tropicana, Simply Orange, etc.). These are the brands
that are consumed more frequently making the production at a much larger scale. It is a fact that
these brands are not 100% fruit juice and the sugar is a key ingredient which impacts the overall
ecological footprint.
A study done in 2010 shows that 241 kg of carbon dioxide was released into the
atmosphere per ton of sugar produced. When breaking that value down, studies show that 44% of
the total emissions was from the burning of residues. Another estimated 40% was attributed to
the use of fertilizers (20%) and fossil fuel combustion (18%). Sugarcane production is typically

done at a much larger scale in South American and African countries. Brazil is a leading
contributor for sugarcane production. This will create the need for some sort of international
distribution to orange producing markets such as the United States, China, and other countries
throughout South America (Figueiredo, 2010).
Additives
When not including sugar there are still other additives present that are listed on the
ingredients of the orange juice container. Common additives include citric acid, ascorbic
acid,Vitamin C, Vitamin D, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These are commonly referred to
as a flavor pack which are often implemented to ensure and improve the taste and quality of
the juice. The Water footprint is has grown smaller with the frequent use of evaporators within
the juice. They are mainly for distribution purposes to lessen the weight carried and overall water
concentration. Additives have little to no correlation with exerting emissions that would increase
our ecological footprint (Guang, 2013).
The Processing Plant
Once the harvest is complete it is clear that those oranges must go somewhere to be
condensed and modified into juice. This includes the process to where the additives and sugars
previously mentioned come together to create the packaged product. In Florida, for example, it
is common that these plants are on average 50 miles away, thus accounting for those emissions
(Spreen, 99). The main components of the processing extent for oranges is the squeezing and
pasteurizing aspect prior to packaging.
There is a very long and complex procedure as to the creation of orange juice. Factors
such as storage, washing/sanitizing, waste heat evaporating, etc all impact the water usage
greatly. All oranges must undergo the washing and evaporating procedures to simply rid the fruit

of pesticides/ fertilizers, at least as much as possible, which would create a balance in water
footprint. This is because it takes significant quantities of water to indeed sanitize the fruit but
the evaporation process in fact lessens the water content for previously mentioned additives
(Spreen, 4).
Oranges are brought into the plant off of large transport vehicles where they will be
dumped along a conveyor belt to be squeezed for juice extraction. Oil running machines move
the oranges down the line to where other machinery will squeeze and crush these oranges as the
juice is collected. Common emissions are from the burning of fossil fuels and petroleum
resulting in higher rates of carbon dioxide and concentrations of greenhouse gases. These oils
are often used in other various heating, cooling, and storage operations throughout the plant.
Stanford alumni and research scientist, Angela Hayes, says In the processing plants, all
juice is exposed to some degree of heat, a major use of energy. NFC juice is pasteurized by
heating to 160F (71.1C) for a minimum of six seconds, and then stored. This storage can also
be energy intensive, especially when the juice is kept frozen, as it sometimes is before
pasteurization takes place (Hayes, 2012). This shows that yes, energy is in fact used throughout
the processing plant that result in carbon emissions and water usage but it is not the largest
contributing factor the overall ecological footprint. The processing plant is known to contribute
an estimated 22% to the overall footprint of orange juice (Hayes, 2012).
Packaging
The Carton:
The physical container of the orange juice in its own way directly influences the
ecological footprint. Carton is known to be listed as one of the most efficient packaging
materials used today. The decrease in fossil fuel resources has led to the lessened concentrations

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of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. Carton is a paper based product that
simply comes from trees that cut down and processed at mills. These mills do in fact have
machinery that would contribute to carbon emissions through the use of various fuels but when
compared to packaging companies that may use plastics there is simply no comparison. In 2008,
European scientists calculated carton to have a total annual ecological footprint of 964 kg/tonne.
Although this calculation does exclude the disposal, the goods manufacturer, and retailers
(ProCarton, 2008).
The Cap:
To think that the cap of the orange juice carton is insignificant is foolish. The typical
carton caps are made from a standard plastic sold throughout the United States. Plastic
manufacturing plants are known for emitting various greenhouse gases through the combustion
burning of fossil fuels as well as the tough disposal and degradation of the substance. Plastic
wastes and emissions can pose various health risks. In terms of disposal, plastics do not
necessarily biodegrade over time. They linger and do not break down so when they are deep in
landfills over time they run the risk of leaching into the groundwater. Processing plants that
fabricate such plastics are known for contributing to the carbon emissions that are present which
influence the total footprint.
Transportation/Distribution:
Transportation and distribution are primary factors of contributing to an ecological
footprint. Transportation roughly accounts for an estimated 20% of the total footprint.
Transportation around everyday farm activities, to and from the processing plant, and the
distribution via trucking or boat either internationally or domestically are all to be accounted for.
Oranges are often shipped internationally to various hot spot producers such as Brazil, United

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States, and China to markets that can not meet the proper growing conditions to domestically
grow their own. This only increases the total amount of fuel necessary to satisfy the global
demand (Hayes, 2012).
Everyday farm activity could be considered minimal, to an extent, because the largest
contributing factor involving transportation would have to be long distance and international
shipping. The dependance on gasoline/diesel for barges and large tanker trucks only increase the
total amount of carbon and greenhouse emissions. Popular global demand of this everyday
product has only increased the frequency to the point where international shipping has become
the norm on a global scale. This then shows the increased usage of the product by being an
essential part of breakfast with various health benefits but at the same time creating larger
emissions from vast transportation demands.

Disposal:
Once the product has no longer any use to the consumer it must be disposed of. Common
misconceptions of whether or not carton can be recycled are constant gray area. Carton is in fact
recyclable. Cartons are separated from other materials to be recycled. This process occurs at a
material recycling facility, where cartons are separated & shipped to a paper mill. Fiber in the
cartons is converted into pulp in a hydrapulper, which in turn is made into useful products
(recyclecarton, 2016). Although cartons may be deemed recyclable not all states offer a carton
recycling option. Those states that do not offer one most likely allow those cartons to collect in
landfills. Cartons will in fact degrade more rapidly than the plastic that makes up the cap which
will hold more over time. The cap will pose a greater environmental threat than the

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carton. Although caps are in fact plastic they often find themselves in landfills. Disposal, from a
statistical standpoint, is very minor in terms of significance. Studies show that disposal only
counts for roughly 3-5% of the total ecological footprint. This is mainly due to the sustainable
design of the carton which is 94% consumed substance and only 6% packaging of the entire
product (Morton, 1987).
Conclusion
Orange Juice is definitely one of the more common items to find in an everyday
American household. Its importance to many is evident to provide not just taste benefits but
providing healthy options with crucial vitamins and minerals. Everyday uses show the large
scale that this product reaches. Transportation efforts to distribute this product globally from
growing hot spots have impacted the ecological footprint (22%). Although the largest
contributor being the actual growth and agricultural processes surround the groves and farming
operations (roughly 60%). Packaging and processing plants go hand in hand with the creation of
the juice itself from the raw fruit stage (15%) that use various methods of extraction,
pasteurization, and storage. Packaging also includes the physical makeup of the package which
accounts for the carton and plastics needed. Lastly disposal of this packaging (3-5%) has shed
insight as to how recycling and sustainable package design allow for a lesser ecological footprint
than most other containers. Overall studies show that a standard 64 oz. container of orange juice
has a carbon footprint of 1.75 kg (UFL, 2008).

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References
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Southern Brazil. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2893520/

Environmental Leader. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2016, from

http://www.environmentalleader.com/2009/01/23/carbon-footprint-of-tropicana-orange-juice-17kg/

Florida Crop/Pest Management Profiles: Citrus (Oranges/Grapefruit)1. (n.d.). Retrieved March

13, 2016, from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi036

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Getting the Most Sustainable Squeeze from your OJ: Essential Answer. (n.d.). Retrieved March
13, 2016, from https://alumni.stanford.edu/get/page/magazine/article/?article_id=58099

Mordini, M. (n.d.). Carbon & Water Footprint of Oranges and Strawberries. Retrieved from
http://www.saiplatform.org/uploads/Library/WG Fruit - ART Final Report.pdf

Morton, J. F. (1987). Oranges. Fruits of Warm Climates, 134-142. Retrieved from

https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/orange.html#Harvesting.

O'Donnell, N. V. (2015). SAMPLE COSTS TO ESTABLISH AN ORANGE ORCHARD AND

PRODUCE ORANGES. Retrieved from
http://coststudyfiles.ucdavis.edu/uploads/cs_public/19/d4/19d4f1bb-408a-443e-a75936fd53a2948f/oranges_vs_2015.pdf

Procarton and Carbon. (2008). ProCarton's Ecological Footprint. Retrieved from

http://www.procarton.com/files/file_manager/press_0810/carton_carbon.pdf

Shaping our food an overview of crop and livestock breeding. Edited by A. Lehrman. Swedish
University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden. Published in 2014, pp. 176.

Spreen, T. (2010). Calculating the Ecological Footprint of Florida Orange Juice. Retrieved from
https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/citrus10/Presentation PDFs/Wednesday/1610 Spreen.pdf.

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Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Pesticides. (n.d.). Retrieved March 13, 2016,
from http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/emon/vocs/vocproj/vocmenu.htm

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