In our series EcoHomeLife Explains we shed some light on terms and topics around sustainability and being eco-friendly, in short and simple articles. In this edition, we look at the environmental impact of meat consumption.
Recently there was a lot of media coverage of the impact our diet has on our environment. Especially meat consumption has been highlighted as not being good for our planet.
Scientists have shown that in numerous studies why eating a lot of meat is detrimental to our environment. And as result, many climate activists are calling for everyone to become vegan.
So does this mean we all have to stop consuming animal products to save our planet? Let’s look at the environmental impact of meat consumption and then answer this question.
What Is The Environmental Impact Of Meat Consumption?
Eating meat is something we do every day. And while it might not feel like it, this has a huge impact on our environment.
Scientists have conducted several studies to look at the impact meat consumption has on our environment.
This body of research has found that there are several ways that meat production and consumption are bad for our planet:
- Fuels deforestation – as forests are cleared to make room for livestock grazing
- Decreases biodiversity – through destruction of habitats and use of toxic pesticides and fertilisers
- High water consumption – growing food for livestock needs a lot of water, which is a scarce resource
- Water pollution – fertiliser, pesticides and manure run-off contribute to water pollution
- Produces huge amounts of greenhouse gas emissions – through deforestation, livestock farting, meat processing, packaging and transport
According to a 2021 study, 57% of global greenhouse gases come from meat production. This is a huge amount.
Given the immense environmental impact of meat consumption, it’s no surprise that scientists say we have to eat less meat. But do we have to stop eating meat entirely?
Eating Less Meat Will Make A Big Difference
Many climate activists say that we have to stop eating meat. However, we don’t think that calling for everyone to give up meat is the answer.
For many, especially in developed countries, this would be a huge change to their lifestyle. And we know that altough people want climate action, not if they have to change their lifestyle.
So trying to get the world population to stop eating meat will fail from the start. Especially because we can’t force people to stop eating meat. But what’s the alternative?
A study by the University of Oxford has researched the environmental impact of various diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and meat-eating.
They calculated the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for each diet. These emissions are the main driver of global warming.
It’s no surprise that the vegan diet produces the lowest level of emissions. Followed by vegetarian and pescetarian diets. Eating meat produces the highest amount of GHG emissions.
However, the team of scientists also looked at high meat and low meat diets. A high meat diet means that someone eats more than 100g of meat a day.
With a low meat diet, daily meat intake is 50g or less. What is interesting is that by reducing your meat consumption from high to low, you can reduce the GHG emissions your diet produces by almost 50%.
Other factors that impact the environment such as land and water use are also reduced considerably if the meat intake is reduced.
So eating less meat will have a big difference, especially if the whole population would do it.
How To Have A More Sustainable Diet
While the environmental impact of meat consumption is considerable, it’s not necessary that everyone stops eating meat.
But we have to move to a less meat-heavy diet. So what would a more sustainable diet look like?
If you are someone who just has to have meat every day, reduce the amount you eat to 50g a day or less.
There are many ways you can do this. For example, many sauces, such as curries or pasta sauces, can be bulked up with veggies.
Only use 50g of meat and make up the rest with whichever veg you like or would go with the meal.
We have been doing this for years and love it. Not only is it better for the planet, it’s also better for our health and budget. And it tastes better. The vegetables add texture and taste.
Of course, it won’t work for all meals. That’s why we eat 2 to 3 times a week meat-less. And once a week we eat fish.
This variety is healthy, but also helps the planet. We don’t feel like we are missing anything.
If you want to go vegetarian or vegan, then go for it. Whatever change you make, you have to be able to sustain it. This means you have to feel like you’re getting what you want.
Whenever we feel like we restrict ourselves or not allowing ourselves things we want, it won’t work. We won’t go on.
So while it’s important that we adopt a more sustainable diet, we have to be able to live with it too.
Only then can we mitigate the environmental impact of our diet and lifestyle.
