What have you done today to lower your impact?

We are washing away the foundations of our existence on every front. It is high time we move from crashing about on the planet like a bull in china shop and find a way to go forward with intent. We must find systems of living based on sustainability. The systems and tools exist, it is up to each of us to adopt them.

Blog Archive

Wednesday 12 August 2009

Meat Eating is 'Huge Contributor' to Climate Change

"Last week, the Washington Post summarized a number of recent reports indicating that one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint or greenhouse gas pollution is to reduce your meat consumption. Here are some quick highlights:

-A Carnegie Melon study found that the average American would benefit the planet more by being vegetarian one day per week than by switching to a totally local diet (heck, why not do both?).

-A University of Chicago study found that switching to a vegan diet would have a bigger impact than trading your gas guzzler for a Prius.

-The head of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, recommended that people give up meat one day a week to take pressure off the atmosphere.

-According to a 2006 United Nations report, livestock accounts for 18 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

Although we've reported similar studies in Organic Bytes over the years, it's refreshing to see a mainstream media outlet finally bring attention to the topic. Americans seem okay being told they should recycle, drive less, and weatherize their homes, but something short-circuits when you ask them to reduce their meat consumption."

Read more about this at Organic Consumers Association.

3 comments:

MondayCampaigns said...

This idea of eating less meat is definitely gaining traction as you highlight. The non-profit health initiative, Meatless Monday, for which I intern, works with Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health to encourage cutting meat consumption for improved personal health as well as a reduced carbon footprint. The website has various recipes (like these delicious Black Bean and Potato Tortillas! http://www.meatlessmonday.com/black-bean-and-potato-tortillas/) as well as nutrition facts and health news. Also, check out the Youtube video for the history and science behind the campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpnKeYmR1NM.
Thanks!
Ashwini

C Robb said...

Thanks for the comment Ashwini,
I love the video and will post it to my blog.
Cheers.

C Robb said...

Thanks for the comment Ashwini,
I love the video and will post it to my blog.
Cheers.