surely it's Earth Day everyday? we obviously need an annual day to collectively focus our minds...but on what exactly?
we are all a bit fatigued by quotes, platitudes or 'top' lists and general bandwagon jumping / greenwashing...
QUESTION: we asked ourselves, what one single thing could we do on Earth Day that would actually make a difference / have a tangible positive impact on the 'Earth' on that 'Day'?
so whilst we were aware that the single greatest impact on our family carbon footprint - even more than buying local, turning off lights, recycling or refilling :) - is to replace red meat and dairy products with plant based alternatives.
the compelling stats that surprised us were:
substituting just one meal a day to plant-based can reduce carbon footprint by 40%
skipping meat and cheese one day a week with your family, is equivalent of taking your car off the road for 5 weeks
most of us are always trying to reduce meat...
but these stats are just the motivation we need to focus our minds on a single action this Earth Day that WILL make a difference...
ANSWER: Because what we are eating is pushing the Earth to the breaking point on climate change and deforestation
COMMIT to making at least one meal on Earth Day plant-based…and remove meat, dairy and eggs from your diet at least one or two days per week.
Did you know...
Food system emissions could account for as much as 25% of all human emissions.
For most foods, more than 80% of GHG emissions result from land use and farming.
Producing 1kg of beef emits 60kg of greenhouse gases; while root vegetables emit less than 0.5kg per kg.
Beef, lamb and cheese are among the most carbon intensive things we can eat.
Milk, out-of-season fruit and other meats can also have relatively high emissions.
Eating chicken instead of beef cuts 25% of emissions in one step.
Shifting some of your diet away from these foods towards cereals or in-season fruit and vegetables is a very effective way to shrink your foodprint.
1 vegetarian day per week (52 days per year) can save nearly 100kgs of CO2 per year.
Driving 1 mile emits 404g of CO2 so 1 vegetarian day per week per year is equivalent to not driving 250 miles (London to Cardiff)
In our opinion, society needs more specific & compelling information like this, focused on ONE IMPACTFUL CHANGE, to give Earth Day a point.
