Of course, there is no realistic diet that will totally eliminate carbon impact. But with 20% of total global direct carbon emissions linked to food and agriculture, adopting a flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan diet can help greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
A vegan diet is one that does not consume any animal products, including meat, eggs and dairy products such as milk and cheese. Neither does it involve foods with traces of animal products such as gelatin or honey. It is entirely plant-based and ensures all nutrition is met from vegetables, fruits, nuts, pulses and cereals. A vegan diet is often misjudged as difficult to adopt and nutritionally imbalanced. However, with an open mind and a willingness to try new things, it is much easier than you may think. The number of vegans in the UK has risen by 360% in the last decade and hence the vegan market has grown too, meaning there is more choice than ever in supermarkets.
The flexitarian diet is becoming increasingly popular with those who want to make a difference but want to keep meat a treat. Whilst a vegan and vegetarian diet emit approximately 1.5 and 1.7 tonnes of carbon a year respectively, an omnivorous diet emits approximately 2.2 tonnes of carbon. However, those who cut out red meat alone emit 1.9 tonnes a year, proving that a drastic change in diet isn’t the only way to save the planet!
A vegetarian diet is one that does not consume meat, including meat traces in products such as sweets (as gelatin) or pesto. This diet is a good transition diet to veganism whilst greatly reducing your carbon emissions. There are plenty of substitutes for meat-based meals, including replacement vegetables (such as chickpeas for chicken in a curry) or meat-substitutes. Those new to the diet question if vegetarians get enough protein, to which the answer is yes! With mindful eating and ensuring enough nuts, pulses and eggs are incorporated into the diet, this is no issue for most.
The flexitarian diet is becoming increasingly popular with those who want to make a difference but want to keep meat a treat. Whilst a vegan and vegetarian diet emit approximately 1.5 and 1.7 tonnes of carbon a year respectively, an omnivorous diet emits approximately 2.2 tonnes of carbon. However, those who cut out red meat alone emit 1.9 tonnes a year, proving that a drastic change in diet isn’t the only way to save the planet!