BY CLARICE ARNOLD / Kalamalama Staff
Many people are switching to vegetarian, vegan and plant based lifestyles.
Here are four reasons why cutting back on meat may be beneficial to you and the planet.
Why are they doing this and why should you consider cutting back on the meat you’re eating?
1. Combat Climate Change
Many studies have shown a correlation between climate change and the meat and poultry industries. According to the United Nations, most of the food related greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture and land use.
Some examples of these are:
- Methane emissions from cow’s digestion
- Nitrous oxide from fertilizer
- Carbon dioxide from deforestation
- Other agricultural emissions such as rice cultivation, manure management and fuel on farms.
Animal based foods, such as meat, dairy, seafood, etc., are associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, the meat industry requires extensive land, which leads to deforestation. Cows and sheep emit methane gas as they digest food. Cattle’s waste and fertilizers used for the crops to feed the cattle emit nitrous oxide.
2. Fight World Hunger
This might sound a bit crazy but by eating less meat, you could be helping other people eat more.
DownToEarth.org gives a great example: Over 10 pounds of plant protein are used to produce one pound of beef protein. If these grains were fed to humans instead of animals, more food would be available for the 925 million people in chronic hunger worldwide.
Research from Cornell found that the grain found in the United States alone that is used to feed cattle, could be used to feed 800 million people.
There is a similar issue with water usage. It takes approximately 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef. It only takes about 220 gallons to make tofu and 180 to make wheat flour.
3. Save the Animals
Many people don’t really think about where their food comes from, or what it is made of. I remember the shock I had as a kid when I learned my favorite chicken nuggets were made from real chickens.
The United States is a huge consumer of meat and the high demand puts a lot of pressure on the farmers. The huge pressure to pump out large quantities of meat leads to “quantity over quality” and often animals are mistreated or ill.
According to the Humane Society, in factory farms animals are often contained to cages barely larger than their bodies, unable to express natural instincts and subjected to cruel treatment, such as debeaking.
4. Improve Your Health
This may be a bit of a surprise, but too much meat may not be the best for your health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, research shows that people who consume more red meats are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
Those who live a vegetarian lifestyle, often weigh less than their meat eating counterparts and have a lower risk of heart disease.
They suggest cutting down on your consumption of processed meats and avoiding oversized portions. Your protein should not exceed more than one fourth of your plate.
EATING LESS meat is not only good for you, it’s good for the planet, the people and the animals. You don’t have to cut it out completely, you can try meatless Monday’s or go for alternatives when you can.
So why not put down that hamburger and try a veggie burger. Here is a great recipe for veggie burgers, courtesy of Inspired Taste.
Clarice Arnold is a Senior at Hawaii Pacific University, studying Arts and Markets with a concentration in Theatre. Follow her on Instagram at @Clarice_Quinn.
