Eat More Vegetables for Earth Day!
Many of us wonder where we will be in 5 years…10 years…20 years. A recent study has suggested, by the year 2050, the population is expected to increase by a whopping 9 billion people. According to U.S. news website the Guardian, in order to prevent food shortages in the future the majority of our meat loving population will have to switch to a vegetarian diet. This Earth Day, let’s make decisions today that can benefit our tomorrow.
Producing animal feed takes up approximately one-third of land used to grow crops. In order to grow the tremendous amounts of feed to supply the meat demanded by our society, an excess of water is used. “There will not be enough water available on current croplands to produce food for the expected 9 billion population in 2050 if we follow current trends and changes towards diets common in western nations,” said Malik Falkenmark from the International Water Institute. A vegetarian eating style uses a lot less water and can help save energy used to produce animal-based products.
Today is Earth Day! I encourage you to practice sustainable eating to reduce the damage already done to the environment. Not only will a plant-based diet support our growing world, it will benefit the health of all the people living in it. A vegetarian eating style is filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, each of which provides carbohydrates, proteins, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Significant evidence has suggested there is a link between a plant-based diet and decreased risks of chronic diseases such as, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. A more sustainable future can lead to healthier lives, food security, and reduced use of fossil fuels.
Your turn to take action: Will you follow a vegetarian eating style this Earth Day?
I’m doing my best to help the earth. Recently I started gardening and I’m producing all the veggies that hit my table have been raising chickens. Might not be much but I feel I am helping in some small way and I have greater control and more knowledge in what comes to my plate.
That’s awesome CeeCee. I tried planting my own vegetable garden; didn’t work out that great, but maybe I will give it a try again.
I found that I enjoy juicing – and that allows me to consume more veggies that I normally would otherwise! I have plans to try a juice fast in the near future! Great post related to how this can help contribute to the prevention of food shortages. I have linked to your post from my blog for Earth Day 🙂
Thanks for linking my post to your Earth Day Blog! Juicing is a great way to get in your veggies and fruit. One suggestion…make sure your juicer keeps the pulp and doesn’t discard it to ensure maximum nutrient and fiber intake!
We do eat a lot of vegetables in our house. We belong to a local CSA and from summer through most of the fall, we get most of our veggies there. I supplement sometimes with other area farm stands. Your post is really interesting…I didn’t realize the struggles we will be facing ahead. This will most definitely be a issue for my children and my children’s children.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments Michelle.
Wow – those numbers are kind of staggering. (And, I have to admit, the environmental costs of raising animals for food was not something I ever really put a lot of thought into.) My family doesn’t live meat-free (we still include chicken and fish) but we do try to include as many vegetables as we can get. I do a lot of juicing (with my Kitchen Ninja, so the pulp stays in) and my kids LOVE starting almost every dinner with a salad. One of my proudest moments was when my 5-year-old daughter started asking “can you add spinach to that?” whenever I was cooking anything. 🙂
That is so great that your 5 year old is asking for spinach. I love that! I have to say that when my son was young, he was at a friend’s house for lunch and he asked for salad! His friend’s mom could not believe it. It’s great to introduce veggies, fruits and whole grains to our kids when they are young so it becomes part of their automatic choices. Thanks for sharing.
Great post, Bonnie. I find that I have been evolving towards a more plant based diet over the years and now virtually never have meat although still have some fish and poultry a few times a week. I love finding new recipes for meatless main courses and lots of different veggie salad combinations. Many more vegan dishes have become my staples now, too. Thank you for the reminder of the responsibility we all share to eat sustainably.
You’re very welcome Melissa. Every now and again we need to be reminded of this. I too prefer to have meatless mains and my family is starting to enjoy it as well. Thanks for your comment.