Animal-based diets have a high impact on our planet. Population growth and an increasing demand for meat and dairy results in the need to clear land and deforestation in order to make room for animal farms and growing animal feed. This results in loss of biodiversity, greater strain on resources like water and energy, among other adverse impacts. In the case of ruminant livestock such as cows and sheep, methane production, a greenhouse gas that is more potent than carbon dioxide, exacerbates the problem. The issue extends to seafood where overfishing and degradation of our oceans from industrial activity and pollution put the future of our ocean at jeopardy.
Switching to a plant-based diet can reduce an individual’s annual carbon footprint by up to 2.1 tons with a vegan diet or up to 1.5 tons for vegetarians. While switching completely overnight is difficult, easing into a plant-based diet by eating more vegetables for a particular meal(ex. lunch) or day of the week can be a great way to get started. Recruiting family, friends, and colleagues to make the transition more fun and social can also be an effective way to transition. With the availability of meat substitutions, vegan chefs and bloggers and the plant-based movement, eating more plants is becoming easier and more widespread with the additional benefits of better health and saving money!
Have you asked your favourite restaurant(s) about plant-based options? Do you have friends, family, colleagues, that have expressed interest in eating less meat? Is there a vegan recipe blogger that resonates with you? Do you know a recipe for a plant-based version of your favorite meat dish?
Throw away less food
We are committed to doing what is necessary, not sed only what is considered politically feasible, sed preserve rainforests, protect Both individuals and businesses contribute to global food waste. Whether it’s throwing away the food we make or buying groceries we don’t end up using, food waste results in unnecessary use of resources like land, water, and energy, and also results in unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions from production and landfill. Food waste extends not only to the food that we don’t eat or throw away, it also encompasses eating more than is necessary.
By eating only what we need and reducing food waste, an individual can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 1.3 tons annually. Not only will we lower emissions by reducing food waste, we’ll also be healthier, save money, and protect our precious resources for future generations to come.What type of foods or groceries do you tend to throw away? Is there often food left over when you eat out at restaurants?