April 14, 2023

Happy Earth Month: How Eating Plant-Based Can Have a Positive Impact on the Environment

There are many reasons why adopting a plant-based diet or occasionally eating plant-based can have a positive impact on the environment. In this blog post, we will explore the environmental benefits of plant-based eating, why it is a sustainable choice and how visiting our vegan restaurants for plant-based cuisine can help support our mission to preserve our planet. 

Top 5 reasons why eating plant-based can help the environment: 

  1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Producing animal-based products require more resources, such as land, water, and energy, which result in higher greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing plant-based options can help reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate climate change. 
  2. Conserve natural resources: Plant-based diets require fewer resources than animal-based diets. By choosing plant-based options, we can help conserve natural resources such as land, water, and energy. 
  3. Mitigate deforestation: The production of animal feed and grazing land for livestock is a leading cause of deforestation worldwide. Choosing plant-based foods can help reduce the demand for animal products, which in turn reduces the need for land for animal feed and grazing and helps preserve forests. 
  4. Conserve water resources: Livestock farming requires vast amounts of water, from watering crops to provide feed for animals to providing drinking water for the animals themselves. By choosing plant-based foods, we can help conserve water resources and reduce our water footprint. 
  5. Reduce pollution: Livestock farming produces significant amounts of waste, which can contaminate waterways and contribute to air pollution. By choosing plant-based foods, we can help reduce the amount of waste produced and the association pollution. 

Tips on how to eat more plant-based: 

  1. Start with small changes: You don’t have to be a vegan to eat a more plant-based diet. Starting with small changes, such as incorporating a meatless day into your weekly diet plan or simply incorporating one plant-based meal a day or swapping out dairy milk for a plant-based alternative. 
  2. Focus on whole foods: Incorporate more whole goods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. These are all plant-based and provide a wide range of nutrients. 
  3. Look for plant-based additions or swaps: Substitute meat or dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, or plant-based milk. 
  4. Plan ahead: Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure you have plenty of plant-based options available. This can help you stay on track and make it easier to avoid excessive consumption of animal products. 
  5. Get creative: Use plant-based ingredients to create new and interesting dishes. For example, experiment with various legumes such as chickpeas and lentils to create a vegetarian burger.
  6. Be mindful when eating out: When eating out, look for plant-based options on the menu or ask if substitutions can be made. Many restaurants now offer vegan or vegetarian options, so don’t be afraid to ask.

In conclusion, dining at Café Gratitude, our plant-based eatery, is not only a delicious and healthy choice for your meals, but it also supports the crucial mission of preserving our environment. By opting for more plant-based meals, we reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the fight against climate change. Café Gratitude’s commitment to using local, organic and seasonal ingredient also ensures that the food we eat is sustainable and minimizes waste. By choosing to eat vegan at our café, you are choosing to make a positive impact on your health and the health of the planet. 

WRITTEN BY 

Jayne Pinsky, Gracias Madre’s Resident Dietitian, RD

References 

  1. Aleksandrowicz L, Green R, Joy EJM, Smith P, Haines A. The impacts of dietary change on greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use and health: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0165797. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165797.
  2. Baroni L, Cenci L, Tettamanti M, Berati M. Evaluating the environmental impact of various dietary patterns combined with different food production systems. Eur Clin Nutr. 2007;61(2):279-268. Doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602522
  3. Sabate J, Soret S. Sustainability of plant-based diets: back to the future. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(Supplement_1): 476S-482S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.113.071522