Want to know the secret to eating eco-friendlier meals? Hold the meat. And the dairy, too.
According to a recent study, vegan and vegetarian diets have less impact on the environment than those that include meat or dairy. But if you’re not ready to go vegan, what else can you do?
The analysis, conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University, looked at the dietary habits of 96,000 adults. The findings indicated that compared to non-vegetarians, those who ate a vegan diet were responsible for 47.1% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, while those who ate a vegetarian diet (with dairy) had 27.8% lower emissions.
If you’re not ready to go completely meatless (or dairy-less), what can you do to reduce your environmental impact? Here are a few tips:
- Participate in Meatless Monday: Yes, eating vegetarian even for one day can help! Not sure what to eat? Swap out meat for other sources of protein, including quinoa, chia seeds, beans or lentils. (Or try these amazing walnut tacos!)
- Head to greener pastures: Shop for beef and poultry products from grass-fed, free-range animals, as these products are said to require less energy and resources to produce.
- Become a locavore: When you’re shopping for fruits, vegetables and other food products, look for items that are grown locally.
- Skip the packaging: Avoid buying prepared food items that are packaged in excessive amounts of plastic or cardboard. (Tip: buy loose tea rather than boxes of tea bags.)
Have you changed your eating habits to be more eco-friendly? Share your story with us below!