Today approximately 18 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions come from animal agriculture. Too often we blame buses, cars, and other exhaust for the majority of climate change, when in fact all transportation combined only generates 13 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Today 30 percent of the Earth's land mass is used for livestock production and that number is continuing to rise. In the U.S. alone, 55 percent of water is used in animal agriculture. In fact, 660 gallons of water goes into making just one hamburger!

I may go to a school that is known for it's environmental advocacy, but it was not my school that made me choose to become a vegetarian. And yes, I used the word choose because everyone has a choice in this matter. You may read this article and not be moved in the slightest. But for those of you who are vegetarian, you get to take pride in the fact that you alone are saving 1,100 gallons of water, 45 pounds of grain, 30 square feet of forested land, the equivalent of 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, and one animal's life EVERY SINGLE DAY! People may tell you that you can't change the world on your own and maybe they're right, but little things like that count too. And you never know, maybe you'll even be able to get some friends on board.

Alright, let's get back on track. I chose to switch to a vegetarian lifestyle the summer before my sophomore year of high school, so just about five years ago. I remember at the time hearing about a new documentary called "Forks Over Knives." It was similar to "Food Inc." except it was more focused on preventing and reversing disease by cutting out processed and animal-based foods. The film was graphic and gruesome, but the stories were moving. Both of these documentaries also touch on industrial agriculture and processed food. With that in mind, let me ask you, do you know where your food is coming from? The hunter gatherer lifestyle that humans once maintained has shifted. We no longer know exactly where our food is coming from. Animals are being injected with hormones that will promote faster development and then they are packed into small corridors until they're at their peak for slaughter. Animal agriculture has turned into an industry solely interested in maximizing profits. This food industry is no longer humane. It is causing harm to our bodies, the environment, and the animals, but we accept it because it is cost efficient and has turned into a societal norm.

The one question I get asked a lot is, "How do you get enough protein?" Then I look at them in complete awe. Meat is not the only source of protein out there, people! There are so many sources of protein out there that are much less recognized, including quinoa, buckwheat, soy, beans, chickpeas, nuts, seeds, etc. That's when they usually glare at me as if there's no way that I am able to maintain a healthy protein intake through these foods. Here's the thing, we often overestimate how much protein we actually need per day. It's about .36 grams per pound. Personally, I only need about 50 grams of protein per day and since nearly every food we eat has at least a little bit of protein in it, racking up 50 grams isn't that tricky.

The longer I remain a vegetarian the more reasons I find to validate and reinforce my lifestyle choice. I didn't change just to save the animals, I didn't change just to better my health, I didn't change just to help the environment, but all of these facts do make it easier for me to continue this lifestyle. I know you may not change your mind about eating that bacon cheeseburger, but let me leave you with this question: what do you think would happen if the majority of the world suddenly cut meat out of their diet?

*For more information about the facts I touched upon please watch Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, and Food Inc..