Hello In(finite) Earthers. My name is Garrett, and I'm one of the blog writers. This week I will be challenging myself to put my money where my mouth is (literally) by going vegetarian for the next 7 days. As someone who has had copious amounts of meat with almost every meal for the last 15 years, this will take some getting used to. With everything we have talked to you about, I think it's a good time to take my own advice and “start somewhere.” I know that as a student, it can be difficult to go fully meat-free; however, taking small steps can make a huge difference. Going meat-free for just 7 days offers numerous benefits for the environment and your health.
Your Impact:
Just one week without meat has a much greater impact than you think. After only 1 week, someone who has switched from meat-based to plant-based would save around 9 animals from death and 30,000+ liters of water that would otherwise be used for animal food production. The benefits keep going as you also prevent the destruction of 225 square feet of forest, stop the creation of 150 pounds CO2 gas, and allow 300 pounds of grain that would have been used to feed animals to be diverted to starving communities around the world.
The Numbers Game:
Industrialized agriculture along with the worst species extinction crisis since the demise of the dinosaurs means that livestock and humans now make up 96% of all mammals. Humans have consumed the vast majority of farmland; however, meat and dairy account for only 18% of food calories and 33% of what should be consumed in protein.
The massive impact of farmed meat isn’t just inefficient. Deforestation caused by meat consumption creates as much greenhouse gas emissions as all the world’s cars, trucks, and airplanes. Meat production practices risk the mass extinctions of other animals, as well as spawn significant pollution in streams, rivers and, ultimately, the ocean.
In recent studies, scientists warned that huge reductions in meat-eating are required if the world is to prevent the incoming dangerous climate change, with beef consumption in western countries needing to drop by 90%, replaced by five times more beans and vegetables.
Health Benefits:
Going meat-free for a week does not only do good for the environment, but also for your health. Some of the results to expect include:
Improved weight loss: People who don’t eat meat – vegetarians – for the most part eat fewer calories and less fat.
Improves your mood: Research shows that vegetarians may be happier than their meat-eating counterparts. There is an element of freshness to most vegetarian dishes, especially when it comes to featuring organic produce – this is bound to purify our minds and keep our thoughts positive.
Saves you money: Let’s face it, meat can be costly. Substituting a meat protein for vegetables high in protein such as Quinoa, Buckwheat, Soybean, and foods such as Hummus, will save you in the pocket and around the waist.
It’s good for the heart: Non-meat eaters show a lower risk of heart disease than their meat-eating counterparts. Vegetarian diets are naturally low in saturated fats, and cholesterol, and have been shown to reduce heart disease risk. Data also shows that vegetarians suffer less disease caused by a modern Western diet.
Improved Energy: Many recent cases have demonstrated that going meat-free will improve energy levels throughout the day. Those going meat-free for 1 week reported feeling better at the gym as well as the impact of not being tired and slow after lunch and dinner.
After learning about what just 7 days away from meat can do for the environment and my health, I knew that it was something I had to try. Doing this on your own clearly has a massive impact; however, what is stronger is the ability to share this challenge with others and set a great example. Imagine the effect that you can have if you grab a group of friends and take this challenge together. Wish me luck and give it a try!
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