One common food choice that is influenced by social norms is the “I’m in a rush and don’t have time to cook” fast food stop. As college students, and members of society in general, we have all made a food choice based on time, or our lack there of. I would estimate that on 2-3 occasions a week, I stop at a fast food restaurant on or around campus. This decision is usually based on the fact that I don’t want to to go back to my apartment between classes, or because I’m in a rush. I certainly understand the health and environmental effects associated with this decision, but nonetheless I make the stop in order to save short-term time. This is a common decision for many college because our busy schedules and limited budgets often force us to go with food that is cheep and quick.

Two big societal issues associated with this decision are; an unhealthy diet, and excess greenhouse gas emissions. The unhealthy diet associated with this food choice is pretty straightforward and something that I am conscious of when I make this decision. As a consumer, you know that eating cheep greasy food probably isn’t in your health’s best interest, but we often justify this decision because we are busy or in a rush. The excess greenhouse gas emissions is less straightforward. The cattle needed for the fast food emit gasses while digesting their own food, and the travel associated with distributing the food to the fast food chains across the country is an additional contributor. I could reduce these societal issues by buying local groceries and packing a lunch so that I wouldn’t have to buy fast food. The food would likely be healthier, and would also reduce the greenhouse gasses associated with shipping the food.