Sustainable Eating
Did you know that the type of foods we eat can actually determine whether we are putting added strain on our environment? Meat and dairy typically require more resources and energy to produce than plant-based foods. Over time, this can increase strain on land, water, and our climate. The good news is that you can make a difference to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of agricultural resources. The added bonus - your body will thank you for eating cleaner and healthier!
Environmental impact of meat
Agricultural practices are contributing substantially to accelerating global warming. Raising livestock (mainly beef & dairy) is much more resource-intensive and produces more greenhouse gases than growing plant foods. Here are some stats about the environmental impact of meat:
Meat and dairy use up 83% of farmland but only provide us with 18% of our calories and 37% of our protein
Without meat & dairy consumption, farmland around the world can be reduced by 75%
Meat and dairy production is the biggest single hand producer (14.5%) of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, takes up ½ the planet’s habitable surface & is the biggest contributor to wildlife extinction
A global shift to a plant-based diet can reduce emissions by 29-70%
To combat this environmental issue, recommendations include eating less protein in general and/or shifting the source of some protein from animal to plant foods. Here are some plant-based diets to consider and more info about them:
Plant-Based Diets
A “plant-based diet” = eating proportionately more foods from plant sources including fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts, seeds, oils, etc. It does NOT mean you can NEVER eat meat or dairy or HAVE to be vegan/vegetarian.
Benefits of a plant-based diet:
Plant protein is more beneficial than animal protein health-wise
Plant protein has no saturated fat, while animal protein has no fiber. If you are worried about getting enough protein, having a plant-based diet will allow you to meet your recommended protein needs as long as you eat a variety of foods
A more plant-based diet fights against diabetes and heart disease
Plant foods are more beneficial environmental-wise. See the environmental impact of meat section above!
Types of plant-based diets:
Pescatarian: includes eggs, dairy, fish, and seafood, but no meat or poultry
Vegetarian: includes eggs, dairy, but no fish, seafood, meat, or poultry
Flexitarian: includes eggs, dairy, and occasionally meat, fish, and poultry
Vegan: includes no animal foods
How to start with a plant-based diet:
Eat lots of veggies: fill half your plate with veggies, and eat them as snacks
Change the way you think about meat: use it as a garnish instead of the centerpiece of your meal
Cook a vegetarian meal at least once a week
Include whole grains in your breakfast
Build a meal around a salad: fill a bowl with greens, then add protein such as tofu, beans, or edamame, and other veggies as toppings
Eat fruit for dessert
Helpful Infographics
Helpful Resources
Happy Cow: an app that helps you find restaurants/stores that sell plant-based foods
30 Day Sustainable Eating Challenge
Environmental Protection Agency: Sustainable Management Food Basics
