Reducing your consumption of animals products could yield benefits for your health and the environment.
What We Know
As a nation, we eat a lot of meat. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, each American consumes around 271 pounds of meat per year. The world average per person is 102.5 pounds. Livestock production involves growing grain to feed livestock, whereas plant foods for human consumption can be produces on far less land. This more efficient production of food produces less greenhouse emissions, which leaves a smaller environmental footprint.
How do we know this?
In a study on diet and its impact on the environmental and health outcomes from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers compared meat-based diets to plant-based diets to understand how they differ. Here are the findings…
Vegetarian and semi-vegetarian diets benefit the climate. Overall, greenhouse gas emissions were 29% lower for vegetarians and 22% for semi-vegetarians compared to meat eaters.
Vegetarians eat more veggies! Plant-based foods comprised 91% of total calories for vegetarians, compared to 77% for meat eaters.
The mortality rate for meat eaters was 20% higher than that for vegetarians and semi-vegetarians.
Our Advice
Eat More Fruits & Veggies. Fill half your plate with fruit and veggies every time you eat a snack or meal.
Learn! Check out our Quick Guide to Getting More Fruits & Veggies.
Buy Local. To purchase food grown closer to home, find a farmer’s market near you.
Grow Your Own. Check out our Vegetable Garden How-To Guide.
Shop Seasonally! Buying seasonal produce reduces the cost of feeding your family.
Source: www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org