One of the most impactful actions people can take in addressing the climate crisis is to change their diet from the Standard American Diet (SAD) based on heavy meat consumption, to a plant-based vegan diet. (1)
Animal agriculture and Concentrated Animal Farming Operations (CAFOs) are a primary cause of CO2 and methane, the two main gases contributing to rising temperatures worldwide. The farming of animals also drives deforestation and environmental breakdown, aggravating the crisis.
By shifting to a plant-based diet we can start reducing our demand on our fragile planet.
A recent extensive study was published in the journal “Nature Food”. “Our dietary choices have a big impact on the planet,” Peter Scarborough, a researcher at Oxford University and lead author of the study said. “A plant-based diet yields one-fourth as much heat-trapping gas as a diet rich in meat”, according to an exhaustive new analysis. (2)
In addition to the environmental reasons to eat a plant-based diet, the truth is that the animals that are being farmed are sentient, aware beings… they feel pain and fear, they cry and express joy, they think and have emotions and awareness. To sumarize, “meat is murder” (3)
“And the flesh you so fancifully fry
Is not succulent, tasty or kind
It’s death for no reason
And death for no reason is MURDER”
–the Smiths
As the Climate Crisis accelerates, some corporations are embracing change and coming to grip with actions that they can take to make a positive impact. One action is to change what is on the menu at corporate events or in their stores. Adding plant-based options helps reduce the heavy demands placed on the planet and gives employees a chance to change their behavior. For some, it gives individuals the chance to taste and experience plant-based food that they may not otherwise have been exposed to.
Recently, LinkedIn halved it’s carbon emissions at its San Francisco office by shifting to mostly plant-based dishes and oatmilk as a default in coffee, all without any pushback from employees. Their program, “Greener by Default” simultaneously addresses the need to address sustainability and fostering inclusive food options by making plant-based food the default and giving diners the choice to opt into meat/dairy. (4)
Another recent example includes Ikea expanding it’s plant-based options in their iconic store cafes.
Lidl, a global grocery chain, has made lots of moves to increase plant-based sales over last few years. These include making its own Lidl-brand vegan products that sell in the same price range as its competing meat products, displaying plant-based alternatives in meat isles to boost uptake, and launching a diverse array of new plant-based products. (5)
Emirates, a leading global airline expanded its menu. Emirates announced the expansion of plant-based offerings across all cabin classes and lounges, now providing over 300 vegan recipes (including options for kids). Vegan options are available on all classes, as well as in Emirates Lounges.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…” Lao Tzu
The quest to address the climate crisis will not be resolved quickly, but we can all take the first step… as individuals, and as companies and corporations.
To learn more feel free to reach out to me at james.cox@glic.com.
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