Why Eating Plant-Based Is the Most Effective Action to Save the Planet

The impact of our diet on the planet: climate, forests, waste, and water

Between global warming, deforestation, and water pollution, we all know our planet is in trouble. But here is the good news: there is one action to save the planet that is simple, powerful, and accessible to everyone: this action can be found on our plate.

Reducing our consumption of products of animal origin and opting for plant-based consumption allows us to significantly reduce our impact on the environment. Here is why it is important to think about it:

1. Livestock farming, a pro at greenhouse gases 🌍​

Among the biggest polluters, livestock farming is well in the lead. Why? Because it emits enormous amounts of greenhouse gases, notably methane (CH₄), which causes much more warming than CO2. This methane comes primarily from the digestion of ruminants, such as cows.

But livestock farming also generates nitrous oxide (N₂O), another greenhouse gas, produced by the fertilizers used to feed the animals. A huge carbon footprint! *

2. Deforestation, a planet razed by livestock farming 🌳​

Forests, and particularly the Amazon, are disappearing very rapidly. The main culprit? Livestock farming.

Millions of trees are felled to make way for pastures or soy crops destined to feed animals. The result: fewer trees to absorb CO2, destroyed habitats for animals, and diminishing biodiversity.

Eating more plant-based means choosing to preserve our forests and sending a strong message for the protection of biodiversity.

3. Water, a wasted resource 💦​

Water, as we know, is essential to life. Yet, livestock farming consumes huge amounts of it. To produce 1 kg of animal protein, it takes approximately 7,900 liters of water, compared to only 4,650 liters for plant proteins. *

Moreover, a large part of this water is used to irrigate crops intended to feed animals, while this same water could be used to grow food intended for humans. By reducing meat and prioritizing plant proteins, we contribute to the preservation of this precious resource.

4. Water pollution:

Livestock farming also contributes to water pollution:

• Animal waste, often poorly managed, ends up in nature and pollutes soil and rivers. For example, in Brittany, livestock farms generate as much waste as 60 million people. *
• The nitrate contained in animal waste, as well as the fertilizers and pesticides (used to feed animals), pollute groundwater and cause green tides.
• Excess nitrates and phosphates in water cause ecological imbalances, such as the disappearance of certain species.

Result: damaged aquatic ecosystems and water quality that is degrading. How can we act?

Consuming plant-based: an action to save the planet 🌍

Livestock farming has a huge impact on our environment, contributing to climate change, deforestation, water waste, and the pollution of ecosystems. Fortunately, there is a simple, effective, and delicious solution: eat more plant-based!

Every meal is an opportunity to act to save the planet! 🌿​💚​

Sources:

* 1. Livestock farming, a pro at greenhouse gases

https://www.vegetarisme.fr/comprendre/ecologie/gaz-a-effet-de-serre-et-elevage-industriel/

* "To produce 1 kg of animal protein, it takes approximately 7,900 liters of water, compared to only 4,650 liters for plant proteins" https://waterfootprint.org/resources/multimediahub/Mekonnen-Hoekstra-2012-WaterFootprintFarmAnimalProducts_4.pdf

* "For example, in Brittany, livestock farms generate as much waste as 60 million people"

https://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/dyn/opendata/AVISANR5L16B1719-tIX.html