The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently warned that humankind has only 12 years to take urgent action to avoid overheating the planet and causing irreparable damage.

Although the report urges governments to take large-scale action to manage this situation, it also states that individuals can reduce their contribution to climate change by making small changes. Eating a plant-based diet is one of these suggestions.

 

 

Your Buying Power

Your buying power is actually pretty powerful. Think of it like a vote, every vote counts and can make a big difference. Every time you buy, or don’t buy something, you are using your buying power to place your vote. By harnessing your buying power, you are putting in to action your right in influence the future we are all heading towards. Sounds pretty powerful, hey!

 

So let’s take a look at 3 simple ways your buying power effects climate change:

 

Leave meat off your plate

Research shows that eating a plant-based diet is ‘the single biggest way’ for an individual to reduce their impact on the environment. However, even reducing meat intake is a huge plus for the earth.

A 2017 report showed that if Americans just switched beef for beans, the US would reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to somewhere between 46 and 74 percent – and this doesn’t take in to count any other food change. Just one small change in the diet of many individuals can have a dramatic effect!

There’s now a huge variety of plant-based products that mimic the taste and texture of meat. From mince to steak, chicken to fish cakes, you won’t struggle to find an alternative in your local supermarket.

 

Switch to plant milk

With so many different plant milks to choose from, ditching dairy the next time you’re at a coffee shop is easier than ever.

Dairy farming negatively impacts the environment but by simply asking the barista to make your morning latte with oat milk or opting for plant milk when shopping at the supermarket, you’re voting for a brighter future for the planet.

 

Seasonal shopping

Buying fruit and vegetables that are grown locally and in season is another way your buying power can combat climate change.

We’ve become accustomed to having all foods, all year round – but it wasn’t always this way. Seasonal produce grows in the right climate, at the right time of year. This means it requires less human intervention, such a pesticides or genetic modification to thrive. There are also less “food miles” involved, as the fruit and veg won’t have been transported long distances by plane or ship.

Most supermarkets will stock some seasonal produce, but you can also support your local farmer’s market or take part in a veg box scheme.

 

Love flexing your buying power muscles

Every time you spend money, your buying power is having an effect on the climate. By being aware of how effective and easy making small changes in your buying habits can be, you can choose to reduce your impact on the environment on a daily basis – and feel great about it with every purchase!

 

Words by Stephen Dent

Tofu Steve (Instagram: @tofusteve)