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8 Environmental Benefits Of Reducing Meat Consumption

by Merilin Vrachovska
in Articles, Why Vegan?
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8 Environmental Benefits of Reducing Meat Consumption - Almost Zero Waste
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Global meat production has increased rapidly over the past 50 years. Worldwide, we produce more than 340 million tonnes each year. 

Unfortunately, most consumers of meat are entirely disconnected from the processes necessary to produce animal products. I was, too.

The truth is that animal farming causes a lot of damage to our environment. It is the single most significant driver of habitat loss, soil loss, water, and nutrient pollution.

Reducing meat consumption has many benefits; it is the single most significant action you can take to help our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil degradation. Reduction of meat consumption will also save an enormous amount of land, water use and will increase biodiversity.

Let’s take a closer look at the 8 most significant environmental benefits of reducing meat consumption.


1. Reducing meat consumption increases biodiversity  

Livestock production accounts for roughly 30% of current global biodiversity loss! (1) (2) (3) 

It is harmful to our ecosystems and biodiversity because it uses enormous land space for grazing and growing animal feed. (1) (2) 

We use about half of the planet’s inhabitable land for agriculture, and roughly 77% of this land is used by grazing cattle, sheep, goats & other livestock. (1) 

What is more, many unsustainable agricultural methods are practiced, such as overgrazing and fire for pasture management.

By reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods, we can conserve and minimize the degradation of biodiversity.

Oh, and why should we care about biodiversity? 

In short, biodiversity is essential for the well-being of Earth and us. It provides vital ecosystem functions such as:

  • soil fertilization
  • nutrient recycling
  • cleansing of air and water
  • pest and disease regulation
  • crop and tree pollination
Reducing Meat Consumption Environmental Benefits
Image by:
Jo-Anne McArthur, unsplash

2. Reducing meat consumption saves water 

Did you know that only 4% of the water footprint of humanity relates to water use at home? 

Contrary, animal production requires large volumes of water, mainly to produce animal feed. 

About 29% of the total water footprint of the agricultural sector in the world is related to the production of animal products. (1)

For example, it can take up to 15,000 and 20,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of beef. (1) (2) 

To put this into perspective –

1x 200g beef burger uses as much water as = 30 x 5-minute showers

This means that you want to reduce your water footprint, it’s best to look at your diet and meat consumption rather than water use at home. 

3. Reducing meat consumption reduces deforestation 

Animal agriculture is one of the most significant causes of deforestation. (1) 

It happens most commonly through slash-and-burn. This method involves the cutting and burning of plants and trees.

70% of the world’s plants and animals live in forests and are losing their habitats (1).

While deforestation happens all over the world, the vast majority takes place in rainforests. 

The greatest amount happens in Brazil (1) – 70 % of the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a result of animal agriculture. (1)

This makes the Amazon rainforest one of Earth’s most threatened forests.

Companies that have been deforesting the rainforest to raise cattle for their hamburgers include Walmart, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. (1)

By not purchasing meat products and avoiding such companies, you have the power to reduce the demand for meat, and thus – deforestation.

4. Reducing meat consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions 

Meat production is responsible for generating about 14.5 % of total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, (1) (2) (3) mainly from: 

  • Animals (cows and sheep) create large amounts of methane as they digest food
  • The manure that animals produce 
  • Manufacturing & use of fertilizers and pesticides
  • Land use and & the conversion of land for pasture/feed production
  • Feed processing and transportation

When you compare to plant-based food systems, animal production systems emit significantly more greenhouse gas emissions. (1)

For example, producing 100 grams of protein from peas emits just 0.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2). 

To get the same amount of protein from beef, emissions would be nearly 90 times higher, at 35 CO2 (1)

Greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram for different food groups. Our World in Data (2020) Data source: Poore & Nemecek (2018):
Reducing Meat Consumption Environmental Benefits
Greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of food product – Our World Data

5. Reducing meat consumption decreases soil degradation 

Animal production is also a great cause for soil degradation and groundwater pollution by:

  • Improper application of manures  – When factory farms distribute manure to fields, the amount often exceeds what the crops can take up, leaving the rest to escape into the air or surface waters.
  • The use of pesticides  – They reach waterways, creating dead zones that are dangerous to marine life and eventually deplete soils. (1)
  • Soil erosion  – It occurs when grasslands are subject to extensive grazing without sufficient recovery periods. Additionally, if too many animals are grazing the same land area, the damage their hooves can cause to the soil can be devastating.

Replacing meat, eggs, and dairy with plant-based foods would decrease manure and lower fertilizer usage tremendously. 

6. Reducing meat consumption reduces climate change

Meat consumption is a significant contributor to global warming and environmental degradation (1, 2). 

This study estimates that the farm animal sector is responsible for:

  • 65% of all human-made emissions of nitrous oxide
  • and for 37% of all human-made methane emissions 

Since the climate impact of plant-based foods is typically 10 to 50 times smaller than that of animal products, switching to a plant-based diet could help reduce emissions. 

7. Reducing meat consumption will free up land for growing food for humans

There is an increasing need to grow crops to feed animals. 

Currently, we use the world’s resources in a highly inefficient way – 40% of the harvested crops in the world are used as food for animals. (1)

According to studies, if we use the space to grow food for humans, around 70% more calories will be available globally. (1) 

Reducing livestock would mean lower demand for feed and forage. 

As a result, 4 billion more people could be fed, and we will provide food for starving populations worldwide. 

Switching to a plant-based diet would free up land that we can use for growing food for us. (1)

Reducing Meat Consumption Environmental Benefits
Image by Annie Spratt, unsplash

8. Reducing meat consumption will reduce meat waste

An astounding amount of meat – on average about 20 % – is wasted at the retail, institutional, and consumer level. (1)

We slaughter innocent animals using brutal and painful methods so we can eat their flesh. 

As a result, an enormous amount goes to waste, which is horrible on many levels:

1) Animals are killed for no reason

2) Once we waste the meat, a lot of it ends in landfills, where it additionally generates more harmful greenhouse gas emissions (methane and a small amount of nitrous oxide). (1)(2 – page 16) 

By reducing meat production, we will also reduce the waste and the unnecessary killing of many animals.


FAQ:

What is the best diet for the environment?

A whole-food plant-based diet is the best for the environment since plants require far fewer resources and water than livestock. 

A study measured the resources (water, fertilizer, soil) and emissions from different foods. 

It showed that a vegan diet reduces environmental impacts compared to a vegetarian or omnivorous diet (1). 

In one day, a fully vegan diet saves: (1)

  • 4164 liters of water
  • 20 kg crops
  • 2.8 m2 forested land
  • 10 kg CO2 
  • the life of one animal 

So, in short, the best diet for the environment includes:

  • Local fruits and vegetables 
  • Whole grains, legumes, nuts 
  • Whenever possible, package-free or plastic-free 
Veganism could save the planet. Here's why.

Which greenhouse gas emissions are emitted from animal farming?

The most amounts of emissions are in the form of methane (44%), nitrous oxide (29%), and carbon dioxide (27%): (1)

  • Methane: 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. It is mainly created as animals digest food and from their manure.
  • Nitrous oxide: One of the most potent greenhouse gases. It is created from the manure of animals and from fertilizers used to grow feed.
  • Carbon dioxide: Carbon emissions trap heat in our atmosphere. It is created from the conversion of land for pasture or feed production, tractor fuels, manufacture of fertilizers.

How to switch to a more sustainable diet?

You can start reducing meat consumption with small actions, such as:

1) Find alternatives  – It can be easier than you think. Switch to plant-based options that won’t cause too much change in your life. For example, it was super easy for me to switch to plant-based milk and vegan yogurts. There are so many options that are delicious and affordable.

2) Experiment with new products  – Before going vegan, I had no idea what’s seitan, tempeh, or nutritional yeast. Finding MANY excellent products made my transition so much easier. You can look up some veggie burgers, cheese alternatives, tofu, etc.  

3) Explore naturally vegan foods  – There should be meals and foods you enjoy from before that are naturally vegan. Like hummus, veggie stews, and many Indian dishes! 

4) Don’t just cut out foods without looking for an alternative  – You can’t make your usual meal, like mashed potato & meat, cut out the meat and eat just mashed potatoes. It is essential to substitute animal products with plant-based alternatives. For instance, good protein-packed options for meat include – beans, lentils, broccoli, tofu, or tempeh. Look online for easy recipes, and give it a try! 

Reducing Meat Consumption Environmental Benefits
LikeMeat Like Burger – Soya based, photographer & cook: Line Tscherning

Sum up

To achieve a sustainable, healthy diet is essential to eat more plant-based foods and reduce our consumption of meat and other animal products. 

While it will be best if you switch altogether, simply reducing those foods can have a positive impact, too. 

Feel free to leave any feedback, questions, and additions to this article in the comment section below.

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Merilin Vrachovska

Merilin Vrachovska

I'm Meri, and my goal is to share my experiences and knowledge on how anyone can live more sustainably. I share tips, guides, and different ways of becoming *almost* zero waste! You can find other topics, such as how to recycle different materials, how to make your own products, where to find fantastic zero waste goods, etc. For more information, check the About page!

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      • Soyabella vs Almond Cow: Plant-Milk Machines For Nut Milk (Review)
      • Kipli Natural Latex Pillow (Review)
      • 32 Zero Waste Kitchen Products And Essentials
      • 15 Best Zero Waste Deodorant Brands That Work
      • 15 Zero Waste Vitamins & Plastic-Free Supplements (2022)
      • 6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Ziploc Bags
      • Toilet Paper Without Plastic Packaging: 19 Plastic-Free Options
      • 17 Best Zero Waste Books In 2022 (2 for FREE)
      • 9 Of The Healthiest Water Bottles In 2022
      • The 8 BEST Compost Bins For An Apartment
      • 10 Low Waste Products to Lower 70% of Your Waste
      • 142 Zero Waste Swaps And Essential Products
      • 46 Zero Waste Online Stores (The Ultimate List)
    • Zero Waste Tips
      • 8 Most Eco-Friendly Ways Of Transportation For Short & Long Distance
      • 28 Zero Waste Party Tips (Simple & Affordable)
      • 18 Awesome Apps To Reduce Food Waste, Save Money & The Planet
      • 11 Things I Still Buy In Plastic
      • 7 Easy Ways To Prevent Ocean Plastic Pollution
      • 8 Waste Disposal Problems And 8 Fantastic Solutions
      • 6 Zero Waste Alternatives to Trash Bags
      • 6 Ways To Reduce The Use Of Plastic Bags
      • How To Be Zero Waste When Living With Parents (Or Roommates)?
      • 9 Disadvantages Of Zero Waste (+Solutions)
      • How Can We Encourage People To Produce Less Waste?
      • 6 Easy Ways To Freeze Bread Without Plastic
      • 16 Surprising Benefits Of Going Zero Waste
      • Why Is Palm Oil Bad For The Environment?
    • Zero Waste FAQ’s
      • Are Shampoo Bars Good For Your Hair?
      • Is Zero Waste REALLY Possible?
      • How Zero Waste Helps The Environment
      • Types Of Biodegradable Plastics
      • What Is Biodegradable Plastic Made Of?
      • Is Silicone Better Than Plastic?
      • Is Silicone Biodegradable Or Recyclable?
      • Can You Compost Pizza Boxes?
      • 4 Dangers Of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
      • Why Should We Reduce The Use Of Plastic
      • Does Zero Waste Make a Difference?
    • Recycling Tips
      • 17 Creative Things To Do With Old Clothes That Cannot be Donated
      • 24 Things To Do With Plastic Containers (Repurposing Ideas)
      • How To Recycle Paper – The ultimate guide
      • 11 Types Of Paper That Cannot Be Recycled
      • How To Recycle Metal: Step-by-step process
      • Where To Recycle Old Clothes: 20 Textile Recycling Drop Off Locations
      • Can You Recycle Receipts
      • Things That Cannot Be Recycled
    • Zero Waste Guides
      • 7 Zero Waste Shampoo Alternatives
      • 15 Ways To Be More Sustainable In Everyday Life
      • 23 Best Places To Sell Used Clothes For Cash
      • 41 Best Consumable Gifts For Every Budget
      • 58 Zero Waste Gifts That Help The Environment
      • How To Organize A Clothing Swap (Guide + Tips)
      • How To Store Vegetables & Fruits Without Plastic (2022)
      • Greenwashing 101: All You Need To Know (2021)
      • Zero Waste Shaving With Eco-Friendly Razors
      • 15 Actionable Steps To Save Money With Zero Waste ($5,337 A Year)
      • 10 Things That Pollute The Earth + Swaps
      • Apartment Composting: 7 Step-by-step guides
    • Ethical Fashion
      • 15+ Affordable Sustainable Swimwear Brands
      • 39 Best Online Thrift Stores
      • 26 Cheap Sustainable Clothing Brands
      • 18 Zero Waste Clothing Brands: Sustainable Fashion
      • What Are The Disadvantages Of Fast Fashion?
      • 29 Unethical Fast Fashion Clothing Brands To Avoid
    • Why Vegan
      • The Most Environmentally Friendly Foods For Eco-Friendly Diet
      • Are There Ethical Arguments for Eating Meat?
      • How To Become Vegan Slowly: A step-by-step beginner’s guide
      • 8 Environmental Benefits Of Reducing Meat Consumption
      • How Are Pigs Killed: The Brutality Of Animal Agriculture
    • Minimalism
      • Project 333: Rules & Template
      • 68 Things To Get Rid Of (Minimalism)
      • How To Become A Minimalist In 30 Days
      • 55 Things I Stopped Buying To Save Money And Waste
      • How To Be Ruthless When Decluttering Clothes: 9 Steps
      • 41 Non-Materialistic Gifts For Any Budget
  • DIY
    • 3-Ingredient Homemade Deodorant Without Coconut Oil
    • Non-Greasy Lotion Bar Recipe (Vegan & Without Beeswax)
    • The BEST Non-Greasy Whipped Body Butter Recipe For Dry Skin
    • DIY Coffee Scrub (Without Coconut Oil)
    • 7 DIY Beauty Products You Can Make At Home
    • How To Make Air Freshener with Essential Oils And Baking Soda
    • Remineralizing Tooth Powder Recipe
    • How to Make Aloe Vera Mouthwash
    • How To Make Dry Shampoo At Home: 3 Ways
    • Best DIY Deodorant For Smelly Armpits (4 Recipes)
    • 3 DIY Zero Waste Toothpaste Recipes
    • 36 Creative Ideas To Use Glass Jars (with pictures)
  • Zero Waste Recipes
    • Healthy Protein Sweets
      • Healthy Vegan Twix Bars (High-Protein Recipe)
      • Chickpea Cookie Dough Protein Bars (No Bake)
      • Vegan Protein Bounty Bars
      • Orange Chocolate Pea Protein Bars (Recipe)
      • Homemade Protein Bars (Low Calorie, Vegan, No Bake)
      • Healthy Vegan Fudge (5 Ingredients, No-Bake, Low Calorie)
      • Healthy Vegan Pumpkin Protein Muffins
      • Vanilla Protein Powder Muffins (Vegan)
      • Hemp Protein Powder Energy Balls (Vegan)
    • Sweet Snacks
      • Chocolate Chip Cookies In A Jar With Printable Tags (Recipe)
      • Ridiculously Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
      • Cashew Pulp Cookies (Vegan, 4 Ingredients)
      • Old Fashioned Fig Bars Recipe (Vegan)
    • No Bake & Raw Sweets
      • No-Bake Double Chocolate Walnuts Bars
      • 4-Ingredient Date And Peanut Butter Energy Balls
      • Caramel Fudge Without Condensed Milk (Vegan)
      • Peanut Flour Energy Balls Recipe
    • Brownies & Cakes
      • Healthy Marbled Banana Bread (Vegan)
      • Flourless Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Fudgy & Vegan)
      • Sweet Potato Protein Brownies (Vegan, Gf)
      • Healthy White Bean Blueberry Blondies (Vegan)
      • Fudgy Almond Butter Brownies (Vegan)
      • Vegan Pumpkin Protein Brownies
    • Cheesecake, Tart & Pies
      • Easy Chocolate Orange Tart (Vegan & No Bake)
      • Raw Lemon Cheesecake (Vegan, 9 Ingredients)
      • Easy Vegan Birthday Cake Recipe (No Bake)
      • Peanut Butter Pie From Scratch (Vegan, No Bake)
    • Salty Snacks & Food
      • Vegan Potato Stew (Grandma’s Recipe)
      • Avocado Spread Recipe (Raw, Vegan)
    • What I Eat In A Day (Zero Waste Vegan Recipes)
    • Nut Milk Maker: 3 Easy Ways To Make Plant-Based Milk
  • Zero Waste Swaps
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