5 Reasons a Vegan Diet is More Planet-Friendly

As we kickstart our GreenPass launch, we’re thrilled to be one with the #Kommunity and introduce a variety of vegan/vegetarian dishes for you to try from Hong Kong’s leading restaurants. Our goal is working towards a more sustainable city and a better world by reducing our carbon footprint by making specific changes in our diet and that includes choosing to eat more plant-based food. But have you ever wondered what is this fuss about plant-based diets lately? How is this diet more sustainable and planet-friendly?

Studies have looked at the links between diet, the environment, and human health. They found that simple choices we make every day can have profound positive effects! After reviewing the evidence, they concluded that a shift toward plant foods can go a long way in promoting human health and the health of our planet. 

Here are 5 reasons why a vegan diet could help the planet: 

1. Reduce the impacts of climate change.

Did you know that food production is responsible for up to 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with animal products accounting for about three-quarters of these effects? Reports state that projections for the future show that “vegan and vegetarian diets were associated with the greatest reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions”. Simply opting for beans instead of beef and plant-based milk over cow’s milk could help!

2. Save water.

Agriculture accounts for about 70% of freshwater use, making it “the world’s largest water consuming sector”. Meat and dairy products lead the way in agricultural water use. Producing just one pound of beef requires 1,800 gallons of water (that’s the equivalent of about 100 showers for the average American! Can you imagine that?) So if we cut animal product consumption even by half, our food production would require less water.

3. Minimize agricultural land use.

The report found that agriculture occupies 40% of Earth’s ice-free landmass, noting that animal products have a large environmental footprint on our croplands. The Amazon forest which is known to be the “lungs of the planet” because they contribute a significant amount of oxygen to our planet unfortunately, they’ve started burning the forest to make use of more land for agricultural use. If we eat more plants then it will also save our forests and lands for agricultural use.

4. Alleviate hunger.

 Animal agriculture uses resources inefficiently. The report found that more than 820 million people around the world lack sufficient food. It also noted that “almost two thirds of all soybeans, maize, barley, and about a third of all grains are used as feed for animals”.

5. Save lives.

 Reports also have found that “unhealthy diets are the largest global burden of disease,” having surpassed even tobacco use as the leading cause of death and disease worldwide. Eating more plants and fewer animal products could prevent 10.9 to 11.6 million premature deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions every year, according to the research.

 Switching to a plant-based diet is not just a trend but it also means you’re doing your part to be more planet-friendly and more sustainable in your own way. 

 Living sustainably doesn’t need to be perfect, you can slowly start by making healthier and better choices every day—where you shop for your food, what you shop and prepare in the kitchen, and what you eat. 

If you aren’t convinced yet, we’re hoping to see you join as we launch GreenPass for you to try a variety of green dishes. Eating plant-based can be as delicious and fun! Let’s all work towards a more sustainable city. Make change, one bite at a time. 

 We also have a lot of easy and healthy vegan recipes on the blog. Don’t miss our fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, and a whole lot of vegan options for you on our website.

Source: https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/5-ways-vegan-diet-helps-planet