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.

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