Sustainability Spotlight - October 2023 - Benefits of a Plant-based Diet

Embracing a plant-based diet is not just good for your health; it's also a fantastic way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. One of the key environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption is the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock farming, particularly cattle, produces a significant amount of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. By choosing plant-based options, you can help cut down on the demand for meat and thus decrease these harmful emissions.

Vegetarian diets require fewer resources, such as land and water. Meat production demands vast amounts of both. The land used for grazing and growing animal feed could be repurposed for reforestation or cultivating crops that can feed more people. Additionally, the runoff from animal agriculture, including waste and chemicals, pollutes our waterways and contributes to dead zones in the oceans. By consuming more plants and fewer animal products, you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and water conservation. It's a small change that can make a big difference. Whether it's for your health, the environment, or a mix of both, going vegetarian or even just increasing the amount of plant-based meals in your diet is a delicious and planet-friendly choice that can positively impact the world we live in.

Over 1,400 US mayors supported a resolution to promote plant-based initiatives to help improve public health and reduce food-based emissions. The resolution, called “A Plant-Based Approach has Promise to Address Chronic Disease, Environmental, and Fiscal Burdens Facing Cities Across the Nation”, was introduced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.