Global warming and climate change have been two of the most pressing environmental problems that Mother Earth faces today. Due to advancements in technology, human activities have become major contributors to the emission of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. These gases, called greenhouse gases, result in more cases of unprecedented typhoons, droughts, hurricanes and other calamities. In response to this, many people have sought ways to help curb this increase in greenhouse gas emission. Some have decided to drive fuel-efficient cars and electric appliances. But, do you know that the best way to reduce global warming is to go vegetarian and practicing less meat eating?
The rationale behind this is dependent on the idea of carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint relates to how much greenhouse gases you emit during your everyday activities, including your eating habits. Studies show that eating 1 lb. of meat is equivalent to greenhouse gas emission after driving an SUV for 40 miles, further declaring that global warming is linked to eating meat. This is because meat products go through processes that are very unfriendly to the environment.
These methods extend beyond the carbon dioxide emission of meat factories and processing plants. Because global warming is not only caused by carbon dioxide, farmers also have a significant impact to this problem. In fact, raising animals for their meat, eggs and dairy are tagged as leading sources of other greenhouse gases: methane and nitrous oxide. Relating the concepts of carbon footprint and meat processing, it follows that eating meat greatly widens your carbon footprint and thus intensifies your own impact to global warming and climate change.
To help curb this, scientists have suggested going vegetarian. Researchers from Environmental Defense even concluded that, if each American substituted his weekly chicken meal with vegetarian food, the reduction in carbon emissions would be the same as taking 500 000 cars off the U.S. freeways. Experiments in the University of Chicago also have astounding results that support a vegetarian lifestyle. Their research shows that refusing meat and going vegetarian is 50% more effective at curbing global warming than driving fuel-efficient hybrid cars. Because of studies like these, the official handbook of LiveEarth states that refusing meat is the most effective way to reduce your carbon footprint.
A vegetarian diet also helps your causes to losing Fat. Because leafy greens and other plant products have less fat and carbohydrate content than meat products, these are considered healthy food choices for people that are looking to lose Fat or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many effective diet programs, such as the low-carb cabbage soup diet and the grapefruit diet, also revolve around fruits and vegetables.
By doing this change in your eating habits, you can go green by losing Fat. Not only do you maintain a healthy body. You also help in saving Mother Earth from the grips of global warming. Moreover, you can celebrate Earth Day every day by encouraging your family and friends to join you in your earth-saving approach to Fat loss.
