Energy requirements between greenhouse & field lettuce

Steve Diver (steved@ncatfyv.uark.edu)
Mon, 1 Apr 1996 15:27:29 -0600 (CST)

What is the energy requirement of one head of lettuce
grown in an New England greenhouse versus transportation
requirements when shipped from the West Coast?

Assumptions:
1. Greenhouse-grown in New England
- Solar-heated greenhouse
- 6 mil plastic
- Polyethylene cover lasts 3 years, then recycled
- One head of lettuce per every square foot of
growing space

* What is the energy cost associated with polyethylene
plastic in relation to the production of one head
of lettuce?

2. Field-grown lettuce in California (e.g., Salinas Valley)

* What is the transportation energy cost/requirement to ship
one head of lettuce from California to Boston, Massachusetts?

Thanks!
Steve Diver