A Healthier Choice For You and the Earth - Healthy, Green Living Tips -Meatless and Vegetarian Fare
Cutting back on meat can help make the planet a little greener.
Did you know that cutting meat out of your diet just one day a week not only helps your body, but it can also help the environment? It’s true! Many of today’s major environmental problems are linked to the livestock industry – so just by reducing the amount of meat you buy and eating a more plant based and vegetarian diet, you can help promote a cleaner, greener planet.
According to a report published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the livestock industry accounts for 18 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. That’s an even larger portion than cars produce! What’s more, livestock production uses over 8 percent of the world’s fresh water – while polluting remaining water sources with manure, antibiotics, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers that are used for growing livestock feed grains. In fact, if humans continue to produce and consume meat at our current rate, the amount of meat produced worldwide is expected to double by the year 2050.
We can all do something positive for the environment and minimize the negative effects of livestock production on our planet – simply by eating a more plant-based diet and less meat. You don’t have to give up meat totally. Just eat meat in moderation and broaden your grazing to include more vegetarian and plant based foods such as grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. You’ll improve your own health and do something good for the environment.
Want to learn more?
Check out the 2006 UN Food and Agriculture report, “Livestock’s Long Shadow†for a more in-depth look at this issue.
(Statistical Sources – Food and Agriculture Organization, 2006. http://www.virtualcentre.org/en/library/key_pub/longshad/A0701E00.htm)
Visit meatlessmonday.com for simple tips and healthy meatless and vegetarian recipes – good for the environment and your health.