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Is adopting a vegetarian diet the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint?
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| No | 54% | 213 votes | Total: 396 votes | |
| Yes | 46% | 183 votes |
No
by Charles Ray
Created on: February 16, 2009 Last Updated: February 19, 2009
IS ADOPTING A VEGETARIAN DIET THE EASIEST WAY TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT?
I am instantly suspicious of any statement that is so categorical. Will my not eating meat reduce my personal carbon footprint? On the surface that might seem easy to answer, but it conceals a lot.
If I become a vegetarian, will I only eat raw vegetables? Am I eating only organically grown vegetables? Unless the answer to those questions is YES, then think about what contributes to a carbon footprint. The process of growing, harvesting and processing vegetables is as energy-dependent as growing and processing meat. Vegetables get to market in the same fossil fuel conveyances; use fertilizers and other machinery in the growing process; the plants use energy in the production process. So, tell me, how does that reduce my footprint?
Another aspect of vegetarian eating that most people chose to ignore, or perhaps are ignorant of, is the emission of methane. Have you ever been on a cattle ranch or dairy farm? Did you ever notice that acrid, unpleasant odor that seems to hang over the place? That, my friend, is methane. Do you know where methane comes from? It is a gaseous by product of the vegetarian diet of cattle, and it is emitted from their rear quarters, continuously. Believe me; you do not want to be at the south end of a north herbivore. Not, at least, without a gas mask.
What about people who eat only vegetables? Well, unless they only eat pulped up concoctions or very low fiber plant life, they too emit large quantities of methane. What, you might ask, does this have to do with reducing one's carbon footprint? Well, it is established that methane can cause damage to the ozone layer. So, what good does it do to reduce my carbon footprint if the emanations from my body are causing damage that can increase my exposure to harmful radiation? In addition, if you've never been in a small room with a large number of high fiber eaters; or worse, an elevator; you don't know the meaning of the word discomfort.
If you chose to be a vegetarian for personal health reasons, that is your choice to make and I applaud you. To do so on the basis of urban myth-based science, however, is the worst of folly. Before you throw that chicken or fish into the garbage (that's right; even though I'm not a vegan, I pass on red meat for personal health reasons), ask to see the scientific evidence that proves this claim.
Learn more about this author, Charles Ray.
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Yes
by Laura Kaeding
Created on: February 14, 2011 Last Updated: July 11, 2011
Adopting a vegetarian diet is definitely the easiest way to have an effect on your carbon footprint in terms of small changes. Not only will there be less suffering in the world due to your eating habits, but your health will likely improve. With improved health, you will use less resources and experience an improved sense of vitality than otherwise.
Even just removing red meat from your diet will have a quick and powerful effect on your carbon footprint, as the methane that comes from cattle is one of the top contributors of greenhouse gases. The more cows are being kept and raised for meat production, the more methane will be in the atmosphere.
It takes approximately 40 acres of agricultural land to feed 1 acre worth of animals for food. That is 39 acres of food that could be used to feed hungry people, and make the world a healthier place. Not to mention the fact that many factory farmed animals are fed corn as their primary source of nutrition which is not a natural part of their diet. This is turn results in a higher E.coli count in their flesh, making it more likely that we purchase contaminated meats that will make us sick.
Eating less meat will also lead to less space being used for keeping the animals. This space will likely be used in turn for more agricultural growth such as grains, vegetables and fruits. These crops will help clean the air, as they are primarily green plants which pull carbon dioxide from the air and replenish it with oxygen.
The basic laws of supply and demand dictate that once the demand lessens for any products, the less supply is needed. The less supply that is needed, the smaller the average carbon footprint will be, and that will be thanks to you.
Not to mention that without the meat in your system, your body will likely become healthier and more energetic, leading you to have the energy to make other environmentally friendly decisions such as riding your bike or walking to and from short to medium distances. You will have the energy to contribute your efforts towards beneficial things for both your health and the planet.
Also, meat is typically packaged in styrofoam plates with plastic wrap or cellophane wrapping. This packaging is very unfriendly in terms of carbon footprint and biogradeability. Less meat being purchased will lead to less styrofoam and plastic wrap being used. You will also be purchasing more fresh fruits and vegetables, which come with little to no packaging whatsoever. The less packaging being used, the more environmentally friendly the product.
Taking small steps towards a healthier diet for both you and the planet is beneficial to all involved, and will also lead to searching for new recipes and trying new flavours. Don't be afraid to buy food in bulk if it is a) non-perishable; such as grains or dried fruits, and b) something you will eat a lot of or quickly. This will not only save you money, but also save how much packaging is used, further shrinking your carbon footprint thanks to your new, healthier diet.
Learn more about this author, Laura Kaeding.
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