Embracing a Climate-Friendly Diet
Though the average family of four emits more greenhouse gasses because of the meat they eat than from the cars they drive, why does the latter enter so many of our climate conversations (BBC)? What if a larger emitter has been right under our noses… or teeth… this whole time? As a summer intern working on climate solutions, I am excited to share my vegetarian journey and discuss the benefits of a vegetarian diet from an environmental and health perspective.
Environmental Impacts of Meat Consumption
Of course, starting to change your diet is hard. When I decided to become a vegetarian, the mere smell of a fried chicken sandwich would tempt me to slip back into my old habits. But after opening my eyes to the environmental impacts of eating meat, the pleasure of a chicken sandwich felt almost selfish in the grand scheme of things.
According to a 2016 study conducted by the BBC, food related emissions would decrease by 60% if the world went vegetarian by 2050. While I am not advocating that everyone go vegetarian, this helps illustrate that our diet does have an impact on our future. On top of emissions, it is important to consider other impacts on the environment: land-use and water consumption. Plant-based foods require, on average, 2.5x less land and 50% less water than animal agriculture. Not only is 20-33% of freshwater consumed by livestock production but, on top of that, beef production is the number one cause of deforestation. From carbon emissions to the cutting of rainforests, eating meat is harming our planet.
Making the Switch to a Vegetarian Diet
If an all vegetarian diet sounds too radical, try starting with eating red meat, poultry, and fish less frequently. Becoming a “flexitarian”, someone who eats meat only four days a week, will still reduce your carbon footprint by 40%. When you are ready for the next step, try cutting out one food from your diet at a time. You will be more likely to stick with a vegetarian diet if you ease into it rather than if you were to go cold turkey all at once. When I started, I committed to eating vegetarian at home and only indulged in meat when at restaurants.
Eating Vegetarian at Restaurants
You’re not alone if you’re hesitant about adopting a vegetarian diet. People are often concerned about eating out at restaurants - thinking they will be a burden to others or without choices if there is nothing available on the menu. However, I have learned that Charlottesville is a very vegetarian-friendly city, with most restaurants offering a vegetarian dish other than the typical salad/soup option. Not only does the city have its own “No Bull” veggie burger, but the opening of “Botanical Plant-Based Fare” on the downtown mall just made it that much easier for vegetarians to eat out with their entirely vegan menu. For any city you’re in, “Happy Cow” is an online resource that helps you find vegetarian or vegan restaurants near you in addition to providing reviews on select dishes.
A Balanced Diet
Another common concern about going vegetarian is that you cannot maintain a balanced diet or get the necessary daily nutrients without eating meat. Though you could get by with only eating mac-and-cheese and cheese pizza, it is important to swap out processed foods for fruits and vegetables, nuts and legumes, and whole grains. When done correctly, a vegetarian diet improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, prevents type 2 diabetes, and reduces cancer risk. In fact, if the world went vegetarian by 2050, the mortality rate would decrease by 6-10%. Here are a few beginner's guides that provide an overview on the best foods to eat.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vegetarian-diet-plan
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/balanced-diet-vegetarian
https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7935824/vegetarian-diet-for-beginners/
Taking Climate Action this Summer
Summer is here, and it is one of the best times to try out a vegetarian diet! With farmers markets and home gardens, there is an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in town. Check out the resources below for some simple vegetarian recipes you can try making at home. There are also many websites out there that can provide you with extra help such as 30-day meal plans, grocery shopping tips, and restaurant suggestions. A vegetarian diet is one way of taking individual climate action this summer. If you are interested in learning more ways, check out our Summer Climate Action Bingo starting July 23rd and download the Make Your Own Impact guidebook for tangible actions, resources, and advocacy opportunities.
I hope my tips help you in your journey towards reducing your carbon footprint and bettering your health!
