Practice eating less meat to support the planet and improve your health
Animal agriculture is the leading cause of deforestation, water consumption, and pollution around the planet. One-fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of meat like cows, pigs, and chicken. That's more than all cars, planes, buildings, and power plants combined! These greenhouse gas emissions are one of the main human contributors to climate change, a change in average weather conditions — such as temperature and rainfall — over a long period of time. Climate change will dramatically change the way humans live on this planet and have major effects on our communities, health, food, and more. Learn more about climate change here.
According to a 2016 study, global greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by as much as 60% if people replace meat with vegetarian meals. Eating less meat could also help with environmental issues like rainforest destruction and pollution. Not ready to give up meat and become a vegetarian? A "weekday vegetarian" diet means that several days of the week you DO eat your favorite meat, but you also eat meals that don't include meat.
Want to really reduce your footprint? Consider giving up all animal products - meat, cheese, eggs, and milk - during the week. A vegan diet (free of all animal products and bi-products) is the healthiest diet for the planet.
Reducing the meat you eat can have a big impact on the planet, your health, and your wallet.
1. Learn more
Check out some documentaries, books, and online resources to learn more about the impacts of meat on the planet.
Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, Food Inc. - documentaries about animal agriculture and the impacts on the environment
Meatless Monday - a non-profit focused on encouraging meat-free meals, including resources and recipes
Drawdown Solutions - explaining the environmental impacts of reducing meat consumption
2. Try some new recipes
3. Choose more days to eat like a vegetarian
How did it feel to eat more meals without meat? What are your favorite meals? What recipes do you want to try? Discuss with your family and see if you can continue to eat meat-free meals a few days a week.