Why? Because we don’t have to go the whole vegan, but 50 percent less makes a huge difference.
BEEFY FACT
Animal agriculture is responsible for 91% of the Amazon rainforest’s destruction.
We all know how the amount of meat and dairy we consume is the single largest difference we can make to our individual carbon footprint. Now, an official target has been announced too. For the UK to be carbon neutral by (the immovable date of) 2050, we all need to individually reduce our consumption by half. Simple as that. We don’t have to be vegan, just cut it down by 50 percent.
We know the facts, so what’s the problem? Turns out it’s an emotional issue. We’re fine with electric cars, sorting our heating, etc. But when it comes to changing our diets we’re resistant, coming up with every argument as to why not, including nutrition. Fortunately there are some great ambassadors to the contrary! Has anyone watched The Game Changers documentary? It’s got Arnie, Lewis Hamilton, Djokavic and a bunch of elite olympic athletes compellingly proving that a plant based diet significantly enhances physical and mental performance.
Plus, there’s a grim reality behind our meat. Many of us turn away from it in wilful ignorance. The daily practices of most dairy farms are even more distressing. A cow can only produce milk when she’s pregnant. So, she’s artificially impregnated, her calf usually removed within 36 hours of being born, both wailing in distress at being parted. The calf is either killed if male, or turned soon into a dairy cow herself, if female. The mother, once her milk runs out, is re-impregnated and goes through it all again. Over and over and over.
That’s what’s really happening for our milk and cheddar.
So, what should we do?
Wherever you’re at, 50 percent less meat (inc chicken) and dairy is the goal. Lots of ways to do it: every other day; eating meat and dairy only at weekends; lunchtimes...
These boys make plant-based sexy. Forget salads, you wouldn’t know there’s no meat in loads of these. Here’s their YouTube channel. We defy you not to love it!
If you’re firing up the barbecue, halve the meat and cheese and make up the difference with corn on the cob, veggie skewers and veggie burgers.
Will it cost more?
It will save you money.
Have a tip or suggestion to share? Just post it in the box below. And…is there something you’re proud of, big or small (petition signed, waste reduced…) Email us, so we can feature you on our Weekly Shout Out!
We..
Aimee: Over the last year I’ve cut out meat from my diet and switched to Oatly for my milk in tea and coffee. My latest discovery (and downfall) are Vegan Magnums - so creamy and delicious - dangerous! To counter them, my new focus is on building a repertoire of delicious and nutritious salads that are the main event in their own right, without needing meat or fish. Bring on the lentils and chickpeas...
Sonia: I found it difficult to write this action. Industrial meat and dairy is systematic cruelty causing unimaginable suffering. Sod the environmental reasons. I think it’s only acceptable to eat the meat of animals that have had a good life and a humane death. The same for milk. It’s got to stop. 50 percent is a start. I’m at zero. None. Nada. Can’t.
“Starting somewhere is a start”
Photo: Dan Gold