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Plant-based food guide released on 50th anniversary of Earth Day
April 22, 2020
Around the world on April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day. This year marks 50 years since the first Earth Day in 1970. While the celebration may look different this year as we all stay at home, the message stays the same: We need to protect this earth.
This year’s theme is climate action. As we know, climate change is the biggest threat to humanity and the life-support systems that allow us to thrive on this planet. We need swift, fierce change and for the world to rise up unitedly to reverse this climate crisis and plan for a zero-carbon future. Sometimes it feels overwhelming thinking “What can I do to change this as an individual?” But experts agree, a plant-based diet can help fight climate change.Â
Our global food system produces about 21-37% of total greenhouse gas emissions and the top 5 meat and dairy corporations emit more than the largest oil producers. While forests are the only true large-scale technology to capture harmful carbon from the atmosphere, absorbing over 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year, the livestock sector is one of the leading drivers of deforestation. Today, nearly 70% of cleared land in the Amazon, the largest remaining tropical rainforest, are used as cattle pastures.
By switching to a plant-based diet, you can cut your food carbon footprint in half. Livestock consumes 5x more food than the entire human population, so eating plant-based food directly (rather than providing that food to the animals first and then eating animal products) means growing fewer crops which conserves large amounts of land, water, and energy.
If you need help, support, or guidance transitioning to a plant-based diet, we can help! ProVeg is excited to announce we’re an official partner on the EcoFood Guide, released in conjunction with Earth Day 2020. We want to encourage caring people like you to embrace the joys and benefits of a vegan diet. The guide shares some more powerful facts on how our food choices impact the environment — as well as tips, recipes, and resources to get you started. By altering your food choices, you have the power to make this planet better and future generations will thank you for that.Â
How deforestation for animal agriculture threatens out forests
One of the leading causes of deforestation globally is animal agriculture, which is why a plant-based diet can help.