“Any food that requires enhancing by the use of chemical substances should in no way
be considered a food.” –John H. Tobe
Another incredible benefit of following a whole-foods, plant-based diet (WFPB) is the
positive impact it has on the environment!
Living sustainably means different things to different folks. Ultimately, sustainability is
about living within our means, and if possible, leaving the planet in better shape for
future generations. The changes we make today can affect not only the quality and
length of our lives but our planet as well.
The term ‘carbon footprint’ isn’t new, but few understand its meaning. ‘Footprint’
describes the total impact of ‘carbon,’ which refers to greenhouse gases.
According to the Worldwatch Institute, livestock production is responsible for as much
as 51 percent of greenhouse gas emissions! As more people adopt a plant-based diet,
the U.S. can meet greenhouse gas reduction goals. Consuming less meat lowers the
demand for animal products and reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and
land needed for livestock production.
Additionally, the livestock industry guzzles gallons of our dwindling supply of fresh
water. You’ll never guess how much water is needed to produce just one pound of beef:
1,799 gallons! Shocking, right? A single hamburger requires 660 gallons of water. To put
that in perspective, the average shower uses approximately 17 gallons of water. One-
hundred times more water is needed to produce a pound of animal protein than a pound
of grain protein.
Once you have the facts, it’s hard to dismiss the environmental benefits of changing to a
WFPB diet.
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