Before you decide to take time out of your busy schedules to read this, I should forewarn you that I already am a vegetarian. However, I do not intend on wasting my time trying to preach the benefits of vegetarianism to those who won't budge. I only suggest that we all give it a try every once and a while -- If not for your health, then for the sake of our environment.
Whenever the words climate change are mentioned in today’s society, numbers and figures are instantly thrown at you, making the math look so dismal that the average person can’t help but feel deeply upset and sometimes even slightly disturbed. That's why I will try my best to keep this simple: An article in the Guardian summarizes an important fact released by the UN food report. Raising animals produces more greenhouse gases than all cars, boats, trains, and planes combined worldwide.
This fact, unlike so many other climate change facts spewed over the media, does not make me distressed, but rather allows me to see potential. As part of a younger generation, one that I believe is full of intelligent, curious, and very innovative minds that will help to shape our future, I already see environmental practices taking a precedent in ways they never have before. Solar power is becoming more and more commonplace, and recycling is second nature to most Americans by now. This is just our beginning.
I’m not suggesting that vegetarians are going to save our planet. I’m not trying to bring morals into this situation in any way. I acknowledge that some people feel as though they cannot go a day without meat, and others must eat meat as a part of their diets or for religious purposes. Meatless Monday, as all other practices, does not fit perfectly into everyone’s lifestyle. However, if the average person who is not too picky and is a fan of things like vegetables, fruits, and nuts, is willing to attempt a day without meat every now and again, it could lead to a great amount of improvement in reducing the numbers of the dreadful math that is climate change.
Still not impressed? Think of it this way: Have you ever thought of trying a diet or have tried one before? Meatless Monday is no different. Changing your food regimen may open a horizon of healthier practices in your lifestyle! And if not, at least you can feel good about having helped the environment by refraining from meat even just for a day.
The last piece of advice I can leave you with, if you still don't think you have it in you to last a few days out of the year without meat, is to think smart. This means buying smart and creating smarter habits. If you feel as though food systems and their impact on climate change interest you, then do your research and find ways you can eliminate your personal impact! This can mean reducing your food waste by eating everything you put on your plate, or reusing your leftovers instead of just keeping them in the fridge until it's time for them to be thrown away.
You may try it one day, realize it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, and never go back. Or, you might just hate tofu and everything it stands for-- and that’s fine. But, if my words have left you curious for more, then I suggest you start looking into the practice that is now a worldwide trend. You may find it is a lot easier than you would think! Plus, vegetables are delicious.
