We Earthlings: Tomato Economics – Earth911

Growing tomatoes at home can significantly reduce your environmental impact and make your next salad more affordable. Commercially produced tomatoes have a carbon footprint of approximately 0.82 kg (1.8 lbs) of CO₂ equivalent per pound, with about 94.53% of these emissions stemming from agricultural practices, including land use and pesticide application. Home gardening gives you control over pesticide and fertilizer use to get a healthier tomato at substantial savings. Starting a tomato plant from seed or purchasing a seedling typically costs between $2 to $5. After expenses for soil, fertilizers, stakes, and other gardening tools, you might spend up to $6 for a healthy tomato plant that can produce 10 to 30 pounds of tomatoes in a growing season. Purchasing 15 pounds of organic tomatoes at $3.29 per pound would total approximately $49.35.

Print or share We Earthling posters to inspire others with your stories. Click the image to get a larger, printable version.