Avocados & Sustainability

Owing to their tough outer coats, avocados are well protected from natural enemies, and thus require little intervention. Extensive research shows little to no pesticide residue on the fruit. It’s often said that avocados require great amounts of water to grow. But meat and dairy account for the biggest carbon footprints of any food in the world, using more than 15,000 liters of water to produce a single kilogram of beef. In comparison, one kilogram of avocados requires roughly 600 liters of water, down almost 50 percent since 2010 thanks to innovative farming techniques, which is less water than that required to produce one pound of bananas, apples, or olives. Avocados have become a particular favorite of Millennials, who tend to be more vegetarian and vegan. But the Fruit of Life is not just for grown-ups. Many Millennial parents choose avocados—packed with nutrients and boasting soft, smooth flesh— as their babies’ first solid food. Now, there’s an endorsement! Bottom line? Avocados provide a great nutritional boost with a comparatively small environmental footprint.