There are clear environmental benefits to adopting a more plant-based diet, particularly when you consider that 1kg beef emits the equivalent of 60kg of carbon dioxide, compared to only 400g of CO2 from 1kg of root vegetables, 150 times less carbon-intensive than beef.
In fact, 70% of deforestation is linked to our agricultural practices, with some of our most biodiverse and species-rich places being replaced with single species crop plantations. 62% of biodiversity loss is attributed to agriculture.
Mike Meek, Procurement & Sustainability Director at food procurement experts allmanhall, explains why replacing meat with plant-based alternatives is so crucial. “With strong evidence to support the overconsumption of meat being harmful to human and environmental health, adopting a more plant-based diet will make food systems more sustainable. For consumers to keep within their planetary boundaries (i.e. no net environmental damage), no more than 98g of red meat and 203g of poultry should be consumed weekly.”
Guidelines to a similar, healthy diet are set out in the Eat-Lancet planetary health diet, which recommends a plant-forward diet where meat and dairy constitute important parts of the diet but in significantly smaller proportions than wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes – better not just for the planet, but for your students.
This isn’t just theoretical – a more plant-based and sustainable way of eating has already been adopted and championed by many young people. The Vegan Society’s recent research indicates that those under 30 are more likely to embrace plant-based diets than older age groups, demonstrating their “collective movement toward more mindful and sustainable eating habits.”
Follow where your students lead and embrace plant-based eating to support biodiversity – it’s good for you and good for the Earth!
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