Superman Advice to Save Life & the Planet
A new study recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and described in this NBC News article acknowledged that a plant-based diet makes a huge impact in both health and climate change and could prevent many millions of deaths per year by 2050.With Earth Day arriving on April 22nd, I thought it would be appropriate to focus on our beloved planet. With its remarkable landscape varying from glistening snow-capped mountains to crystal clear seas, we are blessed to call it home. However, calling Earth home comes with the responsibility of keeping it beautiful for generations to come. Here are 3 tips to help you do just so.
(1) Reduce your meat and dairy consumption. Did you know that bovine animals contribute more to global warming them all the transportation industry (cars, trucks, planes and ships) combined? According to a report published by The Worldwatch Institute, 51 percent or more of global greenhouse-gas emissions are caused by animal agriculture. They release methane gas when they burp and fart (excuse you, Ms. Cow!), contributing to greenhouse gas and thus breaking down the ozone layer. With factory farming a mainstream in American, there is a plethora of cows and other bovine animals producing this harmful gas. By eliminating meat and dairy consumption, you can reduce greenhouse gases and help protect the earth.
(2) Make your diet plant-strong to save water. According to Marcia Kreith, author of “Water inputs in California Food Production," it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produces one pound of meat. On the other hand, one pound of wheat, which can be used to create whole grain flour or bread, only takes 25 gallons of water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states animals raised for food create about 130 times more excrement than the entire human population. The runoff from the excrement pollutes our water supply with pesticides, chemicals, hormones and fertilizers. Eating more plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes saves water and has an added benefit of keeping you healthy! For more information, and to learn all about this topic in the spanse of just a couple of hours, we recommend that you watch the movie, Cowspiracy (available on Netflix).
(3) Walk, bike or carpool. Enjoy the beautiful weather, increase your vitamin D intake and walk or bike ride whenever possible. It not only saves on gas costs but also encourages you to stay active. If a location is too far away, try to carpool with others. Eating less meat and more plant foods also cuts down on fossil fuel. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “the production of one calorie of animal protein requires more than ten times the fossil fuel as a calorie of plant protein.” This is due to the transportation costs involved with bringing in feed for the animals and the creation of these crops requires energy consumption.
San Diego Earth Fair
For those of us living in San Diego, we have a wonderful event coming up on Sunday, April 17th called San Diego Earth Fair at Balboa Park from 10 am to 5 pm. It’s the 27th annual fair and boasts many wonderful exhibitors and delicious food. Please come see us at the "Garden of Eating" exhibit created by San Diego 350's Planet Based Diet Team. It's located right in front of the Timken Museum (near The Museum of Art). The goal is to promote plant-based eating by contrasting the many benefits of plant-based eating with the devastating effects of animal agriculture on climate change, drought, resource depletion, health, and, of course, animals. We’ll have several of San Diego’s own 100% plant-based food vendors, a photo booth, information exhibits and speakers!
Together let’s work to preserve our beautiful planet!