Plant-based diets and your carbon footprint

There are a lot of compelling reasons to consider a plant-based diet for environmental reasons. As concerns about the environment continue to grow, many people are turning to plant-based diets as a way to reduce their carbon footprint, that’s what prompted me to go plant-based, this time around. The first time I went vegetarian I was 15 and it was more for health reasons. A plant-based diet is typically made up of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing (or avoiding altogether) animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. Here, I’ll give you some of the key reasons why you might want to consider eating a plant-based diet to help combat climate change.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

One of the most significant environmental benefits of a plant-based diet is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture is a major contributor, with an estimated 14.5% of global emissions. Livestock farming is responsible for significant amounts of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions, all of which contribute to climate change. By reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your impact on the planet.

Conserving water resources

Another important environmental benefit of a plant-based diet is its potential to conserve water resources. Animal agriculture is a highly water-intensive industry, a pound of beef takes approximately 2,500 gallons of water to produce. In comparison, a pound of vegetables typically requires much less water. Choosing plant-based foods can help to conserve water resources and reduce the strain on water supplies in drought-prone regions.

Protecting biodiversity

The production of animal products often involves deforestation, which can lead to the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. Large areas of forests are cleared to make way for grazing land and to grow crops to feed livestock, which can lead to the displacement of indigenous people, the loss of wildlife, and the destruction of ecosystems. Eating plant-based, you help reduce the demand for animal products and support sustainable farming practices that protect biodiversity and promote environmental conservation.

Reducing pollution

Livestock farming produces large amounts of manure, which can contaminate waterways and contribute to algal blooms and other forms of water pollution. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in animal feed production also contribute to air and water pollution.

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water resources, protecting biodiversity, and reducing pollution, a plant-based diet can help to reduce your impact on the planet and promote a more sustainable food system. Whether you're looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, already a vegetarian or vegan, wanting to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet is a powerful way to make a positive difference for the environment.

Making changes can be overwhelming. Even small changes have a big impact. Start with meatless Mondays and shopping at your local farmers market for a few things once a week, or even once a month. Think of this as an adventure and be open to experimenting in the kitchen. A lot of people think that a plant based diet is going to be bland or tasteless, they don’t have to be. The recipes I share here are plant based, and there a tons of others online. Food is a huge way to connect with people and celebrate life, reducing your impact on the environment doesn’t mean you have to reduce your joy!