As a nation, we eat a lot of meat and junk food not realizing how much damage it does to our health.
We need to take into account that efficient production of food produces less greenhouse gas. This in turn leaves a smaller environmental footprint.
In a study on diet and its impact on the environment, researchers compared meat-based diets to plant-based diets to understand the difference.
- Plant based diets benefit the climate while meat-based diets are detrimental to the climate.
- The mortality rate for meat eaters is 20% higher than that of vegetarians.
Hence, reducing your consumption of animal products could yield benefits for your health and the environment.
Research has consistently shown that in addition to climate benefits, meat-based diets are linked with poor health outcomes. On the other hand, plant-based diets have positive impacts on health and life expectancy. The following are ways to reduce your environmental footprint with fruits and vegetables:
- Eat more fruit and vegetables.
- Grow your own vegetable and fruit garden.
“If we are to adopt climate-friendly eating habits, most of us will need to cut down on our unhealthy food consumption.”
More-so, it benefits the environment to eat locally produced food and replace some of the beef with vegetables, protein foods such as beans and other leguminous fruits.”
When you grow your own food, you know they are safe and free of harmful chemicals.
Also, when you grow your own food, you are nourishing the soil of your garden.
For those that can’t plant their food, buying locally grown food is also a great way to live healthy.
Therefore, the best way to ensure a constant supply of fresh, healthy, organic produce, that is environmentally and pocket friendly is to grow your own food.
To achieve this, we need to work with the government to promote the agricultural sector.
http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/eating-fruits-and-veggies-is-good-for-the-environment
http://whosgreenaz.com/2011/02/01/grow-your-own-food-be-good-to-the-environment/