Although a plant-based diet is more well received now than ever before, the effect of it is lesser known. The Independent (2021) reported that researchers at Oxford University found that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet can reduce your carbon footprint from food by up to 73%. With carbon footprints being critical in reducing global warming, solutions like these may help the general public adapt their lifestyle. Why do meat and dairy products have such a negative effect on our planet?
Meat, and beef in particular, contribute hugely to greenhouse gas emissions. It uses more land and water and causes more environmental damage than any other food product (Gray, BBC 2020). However, when developing a plant based diet, people should be mindful of where they are buying their products from if they are trying to be more sustainable. Air transported fruit and veg can create more greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram than poultry in some cases. Shopping local, such as farmers markets or farm shops, as well as local butchers even can help reduce those emissions and your carbon footprint.
.Reducing food miles and keeping your diet similar can be easy, it just takes some research! When buying and eating local, you are able to enjoy fresher produce, that is mostly organic and pesticide free. As well as this, you are supporting local workers and families. Why not visit your next local market and try and get some local produce!
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